There are many reasons why you may want to start a gratitude journal, and on the top of that list should be because it will help you focus on the positive. In a world where it doesn’t take much for bad news to put you in a terrible mood, it can be hard to remember that good things happen as well. By writing the things that you are thankful for in a journal, you can turn your focus away from the negative and look at the positive.
How to Start a Gratitude Journal
When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, not only does this help you feel good, but it also makes you feel more energized and able to take on the world. Below are the ways to start a gratitude journal and change your outlook on life. In addition to starting a gratitude journal, you can find some other ways to improve your life by going to Getlifeyoudesire.
1. Choose a Journal
The first step in the process is probably the easiest. You need good gratitude journals to start. Anything will work for this process, including spiral notebooks from the store. However, since this is something that you will want to keep for a long time and it will be special, getting a fancy journal may be a good idea.
No matter what you decide, make sure the journal is portable and easily recognizable. You don’t want it to get lost in the shuffle of other notebooks or journals that you might have floating around the house.
2. Know Why You Are Journaling
Keeping in mind why you are writing in a gratitude journal will make the process worth your time and effort. If you are doing it just to do it, you may not see any benefits. However, if you are doing it as a way to reduce your stress levels and give you a greater sense of calm and better clarity, then you will put a lot of effort and focus into the task.
3. Schedule Time to Write
You no doubt have an incredibly busy day, and finding the time to squeeze in yet another task may seem impossible. However, if you want this process to have a positive impact on your life, then you need to find time each day to write in your journal. The time that works best for you will depend on your personal preference.
A lot of people wait until the end of the day to write in their gratitude journal. This gives them the chance to reflect on what they had done and find things that made them happy. You can set aside a few minutes right before you go to bed to write these things down. This could also lead to better sleep, as your brain will be focused on positive thoughts and not focusing on or stressing about all the things you need to accomplish.
For others, taking a few moments in the morning works best for them. They still have a chance to reflect on what had happened the day before, but they can then face a new day with a sense of purpose and pride. No matter when works for you, make sure you take the time to write in your journal.
4. Consider Using Prompts
If you are new to gratitude journaling, you may be worried about whether or not you are doing it correctly. Take a deep breath. There is no right or wrong way to fill out your journal, and everyone will have something different in theirs. However, if you need some guidance on what to be thankful for, consider using some gratitude prompts. Some ideas you might consider include the following.
- What is something a loved one did that made you grateful?
- What three things did your kids do that made you laugh?
- Is there something you are looking forward to?
- What makes you grateful for your house? Your job? Your car?
- When is the last time you laughed so hard you started crying? Share that memory.
Of course, you don’t have to use prompts if you don’t want to. If you already know what you want to write about in your journal, then put those thoughts down on paper.
5. Check in Every So Often
There are many benefits to keeping a gratitude journal, but the main reason is to make you feel better about your life. Every so often, check in with yourself and see if you notice a difference. This can be a week after you start your journal or a month. You may also want to see where you are at after one year.
When you check in with yourself, you want to determine if your happiness has improved during that time. You can also see if your energy levels are higher, or maybe you have more patience. Perhaps you have changed how you interact with other people. There are many impacts that this practice can have on your life.
If you are so inclined, you can even go back through your journal to look at all the things you wrote down. This can be a great way to bring a smile to your lips or let you see how far you’ve come. Creating a gratitude journal is something simple you can do for yourself, but it can have a profound and long-lasting impact