The other day I got to thinking about the exercises I use to help me focus on the joys in my life -- things that remind me to think positive and remain happy. Along with my family and friends, reading and writing are a huge part of my life and make me extremely happy. So I'm continually grateful for this.
While thinking, I realized I hadn't written in my gratitude journal in SOOO long. First, let me start by telling you what a gratitude journal is. You may already know, or you might think I'm a total loon. If you're still reading maybe you think I'm only half crazy. Either way, here ya go...
A gratitude journal is a way to focus on the things you are grateful for. I believe that gratitude leads to happiness. If you can find joy in what you already have, anything else that comes your way is just a bonus. You also open yourself up to good fortune. Everyday I TRY to record some of the people, things, etc. that I'm grateful for in a journal. This starts the morning off on a positive note (along with butter toffee coffee) and hopefully shapes the direction my day will go. Does it always work out that way? -- NO! But I like to think I'm a half-glass-full kind of girl! :)
Today I thought I'd post my journal entry from this morning on my blog. So, here it is (I'm feeling kind of vulnerable right now).
The things I'm grateful for (in no particular order) are...
1. My two beautiful young boys & my very supportive husband
2. My family & friends (this includes my awesome writer & blogger friends)
3. My new little niece, Reece, who is due any day now! :)
4. Health
5. My wonderful agent -- Christine Witthohn and my very talented BC family, including my fabulous critique partner -- Michelle Madow
6. My job -- it pays the bills and allows my family to live in a home/neighborhood that we adore (and, of course provides money to shop for cute shoes) Oh, come on, who doesn't like shopping? :)
7. The sister I'm sponsoring in the Congo who has been dealt a much more difficult journey as a woman than I have. I'm grateful for the rights I have as a woman in this country. I'm so fortunate to be able to help another woman follow her dreams. This brings me great joy.
8. I'm thankful to all of you who have taken the time to read this. It means so much :) XOXO
I could probably keep going, but this exercise isn't meant to last the whole day, just get me to focus on the positive.
I'm well aware that it's not Thanksgiving! I have no desire to go back to November. I'm ready for the warmth of spring and summer. But, what are you grateful for? Is there anything you do everyday/week/year to focus on the positive? Who knows, maybe you'll decide to do a gratitude journal, or unfollow my blog (but I hope not)!
Cheers!
T.H. Browning
I love this and love your idea to think about things you're grateful for! Cause you're right -- sometimes it's easy to worry about things going on in our everyday lives, and it's important to focus on the positive. I am grateful for you as well; it's wonderful having such an awesome critique partner who is right beside me on this crazy road to publication! <3
ReplyDeletexoxo
This is a great post. I used to do a gratitude journal, but somehow I got out of the habit. I used to do it at the end of the day, before going to sleep, so I could reflect on what had happened that day. But I like your method--starting the day that way. I think I'll have to get back into this practice. :)
ReplyDeleteDonna
Wonderful post, Taryn. We should all have a gratitude journal. Now that the book release is here and I'm trying to promote and do edits and write the next book and the mystery series...I get a little overwhelmed and that leads to frustration. In fact, I'm becoming a frustration magnet. I'll have to work on that, I think.
ReplyDeleteA very nice post, Taryn. And, right back at you! We're all equally grateful for you and your support. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDelete