How to Write a Gratitude Journal (4 Quick Tips)

Happiness is not having everything you want in life. Happiness is being Grateful for the things you do have.

What are you grateful for?

We go about our day without taking the time to really be grateful for all the little things or big things that we have in our lives.

We often find ourselves dwelling on what we DON'T have instead of what we DO have. The big house, the fancy car, the exotic vacations for example. When we should be focusing on what we do have which in some case is more than a lot of people.

Be Grateful!

I was hesitant when I first started writing in my Gratitude Journal. I wasn't sure what I was going to write actually. To be quite honest I I was grateful for my children and their health. Never did any of the other little things come to mind.

I wrote for a week

Day One: I am grateful for my children and their health. done

Day two and three were about the same.

Day four : I realized I was grateful for my home, for my family, for the food on my table, for my job that allowed me to pay for this.(Did a little better)

Day by day it got easier, after a couple weeks I realized I was grateful for silly things, little things and the simplest of things.

As the weeks turned into a month, I really began to enjoy it.

Its not a fancy Journal , rather plain actually but there is never anything negative in it, which is nice when you look back on the days past.

It does not remind me of any past failures or mishaps, it just reminds me of all I have to be grateful for in life.

So onto the tips...

1. Find Your Moment

Set aside a time when you can have a few quiet moments to yourself. Limit your distractions and put away the phone (unless you're using it to journal).

2. Start Easy

The first time you sit down you may have had a rough day and are really struggling with finding something that you're grateful for. Trust me there were a few days I tapped the pen against my head. It helped me start with the basics.

• Did I wake up this morning? Great I am grateful for my health.
• Do I have a place to live? I am grateful for the place I call home.
• My son wants breakfast? I am thankful for my children and the job that allows me to put food on the table.

Once you get started you will realize how much you have to be grateful for.

3. Have Fun With It

When I first started my journal I compiled it as a list I made bullet points and began each one with " I am grateful for..."

Example of one of my days:

• I am grateful for my children
• I am grateful for my job
• I am grateful for the roof over my head
• I am grateful for my family
• I am grateful Paneras has delivery

Now I do lists, I add photos, quotes or write it out in a paragraph. The most important thing to remember is this is your journal to do as you please be creative.

4. Be Consistent

Consistency is key. I know its difficult to find time for anything nowadays, 5 minutes is really all you need.

Once you start doing this daily you will notice all the little things in life you were overlooking or taking for granted.

I wondered the same thing. I wish I could give you an answer. I wrote in my journal daily and I started seeing things a little different.

I know crazy right that's what I thought!

I was happier, my stress level seemed to decrease and I didn't sweat the small stuff as much. Even on my bad days, there was always something I could find that I was grateful for.

Coworkers, friends, and family started noticing that I was smiling a little more.

I was now getting asked"Why are you in such a good mood?" or "Why are you smiling ?" (Most of the above people just go mechanically through their day)

My answer is the same "I'm not complaining I have a lot to be grateful for."

The key to remember is life is full of small blessings be grateful for them and you will see how your outlook will start to turnaround.