In this post you will see how a gratitude journal changed my whole energy for the better and how you can use one in your life. I’ll walk you through how to get started. I’ll even hook you up with the journal I recommend- the one I created specifically for this practice that you can download for kindle/ipad or grab a paperback copy of below!
Journaling Changed My Life
A few years ago, I hit a low point in my life. After a huge tragedy I was feeling lost and empty. I didn’t know how to turn that energy around and didn’t have therapy as an option at the time. Talking to my best friends only helped so much. And I didn’t want to sit around and complain. I wanted to focus my energy on being optimistic that things would get better. I had no idea how to do that until I found a gratitude journal.
There were just empty pages and I decided to fill them with at least 3 things a day I could be grateful for. There were days where I really struggled to find things to express appreciation for. But after sticking with it for about 9- days, I noticed that I was able to dig deeper than before. I found gratitude for the littlest things. Looking at them all compiled together made me realize the many blessings I had. Gratitude journaling helped the hard times not feel as impactful.
It’s not Complicated
When I was in a dark place as I first found out about gratitude journals, trust me- I did not have the energy to be writing little novels every day. It does not have to be complicated to express your gratitude. Start very simple. Each day, write down 3 things you are grateful for. Stick to nouns- people, places, and things around you in your life. It can be anything.
Even if it feels trite (like you are grateful you’re having a good hair day), still write it down! It all adds up. If you can’t think of anything AT ALL, ask yourself: “did I have any meals today?”… “did I wake up from a warm safe bed this morning/”… “is my body healthy?”… and you’ll start to see the things you might usually take for granted.
How To Make It Stick
I like to stick to journaling around the same time each day. The best way to stick with it is to do it right after something you already do every day at the same time. For example, brushing your teeth, taking a shower, walking your dogs, etc. Attaching journaling with another task will help it become more of a routine for you. You will begin to look forward to it and if you enjoy doing it, it’s more likely to turn into a habit. If you miss a day or forget to journal for a while, don’t worry. Pick right back up the day you remember to come back to it. Make it as easy for yourself as possible to slip into grateful energy each time you sit down with your gratitude journal.
Try For Yourself
I want this to be as low-resistance for you as possible, so I encourage you to start with any old notebook you have lying around. Even scrap paper will do. Just be sure to save all your entries because looking back at what you wrote down is super impactful. I don’t know about you but I like to get myself jazzed about something new I want to try so that it’s more fun and I have a better chance of sticking with it. Kind of like buying a super cute new matching set of workout clothes so that you have a reason to actually work out and wear it.
If you are the kind of person who gets more inspired to start something brand new and beautiful, then I’ve got a recommendation for you. I created a really easy to use, yet beautifully designed Gratitude Journal! It’s all neutral colors, has a fresh and modern minimalistic design, it’s super feminine, and room for you to journal any thoughts and ideas you have as you record the things you’re grateful for. I’m totally obsessed with how it came out and I can’t wait for you to see it. I’m a pen and paper kind of girl, especially when it comes to getting in my feels… so I created a beautiful paperback version. But there is a nice ebook version you can also download from the Amazon Kindle Store if you’d prefer to use it on your iPad or tablet.
The More Grateful You Are,
The More Things You Will Have To Be Grateful For
your new daily mantra
Take on the challenge
If you take on this 90 day “challenge” you will start to realize a shift. You will see that there are suddenly more things around you to be thankful for that you once took for granted. You will be in a better mindset, coming from a place of gratitude.
I hope you are inspired to jump in and start your gratitude journal practice today. Like I said, if you have a notebook and pen, you’re good to go! But if you want the journal I created specifically to help you with this practice, you can grab it right here!!
Before you go…
If you are super into this idea and want some FREEBIES to help you get started, you have to download my Free Instagram Story Graphics for Gratitude Practice. They are not only adorable but will help you practice a grateful mindset every time you share them! I can’t wait to see how you use them, so be sure to tag me @makeupaswego on Instagram!
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