How to Do a Gratitude Journal

Every year I do 2 things 1. I always have a Gratitude Journal or two and 2; I do a Vision Board whether it’s on hard cardboard, paper or a PowerPoint presentation which I can always print in colour and keep it in my Gratitude Journal. I usually fill it up my Journal with only positive notes, compliments from anyone, favourite magazine clippings, and pictures of self, family, and friends. I it’s almost like scrap booking meets diary. Either way I can‘t think of a better way to sit back, give thanks and feel inspired and content.

When was the last time you felt good about something or you were grateful for being able to walk up a flight of stairs without complaining your health. Gratitude is only related to money. The best things in life may be free but the ability to give thanks is priceless.

People often ask well how do you start a Gratitude Journal, what do you put in it. What if I don’t have enough things to be grateful for to fill up a page let alone a whole book.

Well, it really is up to you what you want to put in it. I started off writing Dear Lord thank you for ....The blanks almost filled themselves in all the time. I then moved on to all the

Feel good sensations that I am grateful for like:

- Putting my feet in on the beach sand while a wave washes over them and moves back into the sea.

- Reading a book on the peer whilst listening to the water

- Having a chat with a parent, elderly person and even a child

- The look of sea shells

- Travelling to another city at night and then suddenly you see the bright lights of your destination ahead

- Waking up in a different city or place

- Making my own clothes

- Cooking a really good meal and sharing it with others

- The feelings of love, excitement and joy

I could go on forever but I’m sure you get the jest.

I also write compliments from I’ve received....Thank you that or I am grateful that

- I am kind

- I am a woman, a mom, a sister, a wife, a friend etc

- I have a nice smile

- I was able to share a joke with a friend/or colleague

- I received the following sms from.....

You can also make a List of all your good qualities and abilities and what you enjoy about being you. Past, Present and Future achievements

- I ‘ve won best Producer for School House Play

- Best actress award for one act plays in Drama club

- Selected as an ambassador of my school to go on Edu-train around Transvaal and surrounding areas right up to Tzaneen for 9 days on a bus and sleeping, eating and learning on a train.

- I am a qualified Fashion Designer

- The first Black Store Manager for JFK boutique

- A Motivational Speaker who gets invited to disadvantaged communities to share words of inspiration and a realization of inner strength

Well, enough about me, back to your Gratitude Journal.

Journal Size – for once size doesn’t count. It can be pocket size for easy access. I love A4 size so that I can fill in more. I cut out articles, my favourite poems, song lyrics, artists, shows and tickets of movies I’ve seen, tickets to seminars I attended, concert tickets I went to see even plane or bus tickets of where I’ve been to.

I even stick in my cocktail umbrellas, pictures of beverages, chocolate wrappers bought for me by others or for myself.

The Gratitude Journal is supposed to make you feel good and inspired to write in it and to acknowledge and be grateful for all that is good in your life. A count your blessings and forget your troubles account that’s why I encourage that you do not write depressing Dear John Letters and what you did last summer and live to regret today. Let’s keep it upbeat, colourful and POSITIVE.

By the time you are finished writing about everything and everyone you are grateful for, you will love yourself and to see your own true value no matter what your current situation is.

Get ready to write your Thank Yous from now on anywhere, anytime.