You Have to Try This!

written by Kate H.

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” -Brian Tracy

Who wants better sleep, less sickness, more happiness, and to be more optimistic? There is one simple way to achieve those things: keep a gratitude journal. It make take some getting used to, but studies show that even writing for a few minutes and as little as once a week can improve your attitude and increase your gratitude.

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” –G.K. Chesterton

 Don’t know where to start? The great thing about keeping a gratitude journal is that it is all about you! Pick any style journal, notebook, or even scratch paper and pick up any marker, pen, or pencil and begin writing. Some journals consist of a single sentence once a week. Others, a list of five things one is grateful for from the past week. The key is to write about what makes you happy and keep it positive.

“So much has been given to me; I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied.” -Helen Keller

Also, the more specific the better. When you are able to describe why you are thankful for someone or how something has been a blessing to you, you are more likely to appreciate it and value its significance in your life. When you are writing, do not focus on grammar, spelling or time but allow yourself to focus on being in the moment with your thoughts and to think deeper into the things you have been given in your life. You can add pictures, quotes, special dates and anniversaries and why each of them are important to you.

“This a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” -Maya Angelou

It is important to keep in mind that in order to receive the benefits from keeping a gratitude journal, you cannot simply go through the motions. Without actively thinking about what you are writing, you will not be able to apply your gratitude to your everyday life. Also, it is important to stay consistent with the time and place you write. If you do so, recalling what you are grateful for will become part of your daily routine and will have the greatest impact on your life. Lastly, it is always beneficial to consider other perspectives in your reflections. If you are having a hard time coming up with meaningful things to be grateful for, try to think about what your life would be like if you didn’t have something. Then you will be able to be grateful for what you do have and what it does for you.

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.” -Alphonse Karr

Journaling isn’t your thing? Try looking into some prayers of gratitude or keeping a file of pictures of things that make you happy. There are many ways to remind yourself of how truly blessed you are. Challenge yourself to find what ways work best for you and practice your gratitude to become a healthier, happier person today!

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” –Ralph Marston