Do you love writing journals?
I do! Or shall I say, I did!
My favorite TV show back in my High-school days was G-mik and Roni/Ronalisa (You’d know who she is if you are a fan… curious? this is her IG) used to write diaries. So as a teen and a trying hard writer (been really trying hard ever since… 🤣 hahaha) I took my own space and started writing diaries! Oh by the way – it was also in High school that I read Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl – that inspired me to start the journalling too!
Fast forward 2010 ~ 2011 – I found myself less “emo”, so I started to drift away from this habit. I guess social media came and a love life too. ♥
So somehow my “me time” and my Dear Diary moment started to vanish. Until it was totally out. But, I still hoard notebooks of different shapes, size, designs and colors. I guess the teacher in me – still sinks in whenever I am in a bookstore/stationary shop. I feel like I’m at home – I’m in my haven! :) A part of me still have that “diarist”/journalist soul!
Anyhow – I have started to make a new way of writing journals. As I continue to embark this “creative living lifestyle” I found that a habit I’ve “paused for a while” is worth keeping! – that is – – –
Having a notebook to write your thoughts, ideas and even keeping a Gratitude list!
Now, this post is about that GRATITUDE JOURNAL. . . .
(with a twist! – as the title says! hehe)
I started creating a journal or list of THANK YOU/GRATEFULNESS. The first entry went pretty well.
Day 2 – Another good one.
Day 3 – Still good
Day 4 /5 /6 /7 /8 – – – I suddenly started feeling like – oooppppsss!
What happened?
My list has become a copy and paste . . .
Then I heard in one podcast that I love listening – Happier by Gretchen Rubin! That keep at least 3 rather than just blurting out a looonnng list. Stay very specific and recognize even the smallest things that bring you joy!
So Let’s say:
Today, I am thankful for:
- Person – For that smile from a baby I met in the metro.
- An Achievement – For today’s safety travel.
- Something small – For that smell of a coffee that boosts my mood!
If you think this is the twist – – – well, not yet!
As I continue to explore podcasts, articles, blogs and other TV/Youtube shows on creativity, business, productivity and more – I landed on Marie Forleo’s Marie TV!
She once had a guest that describes similar habit/practice – but instead of simply writing the easy one (even if small and specific) – the guest mentioned that it is better if we take this into a step higher . . .
How?
He said, how about you write 3 things you are grateful in a “different perspective”.
Today, look at life on the other side of the coin.
Write 3 things that brings you stress, worries or something that is not positive. Oppppsss! Stay with me! The twist is here!
Let’s say:
Today, these things bring me a not so good moments:
- A Difficult Person at work/home/community (be specific) – he/she wont see this diary anyway.
- A bill I missed to pay.
- I was late at work/ for an appointment
Now, let’s do the twist!
Today, these things bring me a “not so good moment” BUT! On the other hand I learned to – – – (Make them BOLD or underline them on your journal to emphasize that these are the one you are GRATEFUL for and not the stress/negativity.)
- For Example – John – he was difficult but I learned to extend more of my patience.
- A bill I missed to pay – I missed to pay this because I haven’t keep it on my notes/calendar/reminder list. So I learned to take note and mindful about it.
- I was late at work/ for an appointment – I learned to set an hour or 2 to make sure to be on time.
Vary your list on day to day basis. This exercise will allow you to be mindful of looking at the positive side of the story. Most of the time, we focus only on one side that we fail to see the brighter one.
If one day, you find yourself not having any negative moments – then no need to make it with a twist. Go the simple way by just writing what is positive.
This is just an alternative.
Which I personally love and so I am sharing it!
Stay positive.
Be blessed and be God’s blessings!
