Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. :)
This week I am writing about creating a gratitude/goal setting journal. You'll find, that over time this is something I will continuously blog about. To read my post that discussed the importance of gratitude and ways to show it in your life, click here.
When I was about thirteen, a mentor of mine suggested that I start writing positive things about myself and what I was grateful for each day. Before going to sleep, I would write what I liked about myself...my strengths, talents and skills. I jotted down my daily accomplishments, and the reasons I was grateful. I had learned mindfulness at a young age!
Studies have shown, people who express gratitude are happier people. When I'm going through a rough patch, I find that it is the hardest to write about positive things; but that's when you need it most. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness impacts the way you think and will improve your well being in some way.
When we face a hardship, or a challenge arises in our life, we can still find ways to be grateful. For me, I've learned lessons about trust and the need for setting up boundaries. Turn the negative into a positive - I intend on writing a blog post on reframing and reshaping ones thoughts in the near future.
Your diary is a place where you can vent. This journal is unique, because it's going to help manifest wonderful things for yourself!
Here are some of the benefits associated with keeping a gratitude/goal journal:
Self awareness - Discover more about yourself
Better health - Toxic emotions are reduced and happiness levels are increased. Immune system is stronger because you are less stressed and more optimistic
Self Esteem - A boost in your self esteem makes sense if you are writing what you love about yourself...right?
We live in such a fast paced world, that we take things for granted. Wouldn't it be nice to slow down for a few minutes and appreciate the good things in our life?
I'm going to challenge you to keep a journal for the next thirty days. I believe it takes about two months for something to become a habit. I invite you to expand the length of this challenge, if you so see fit.
So, how are you going to create your journal?
First, find a notebook or journal that speaks to you. Maybe it's one with a funky pattern or a plain one that you decide to decorate.
Keep in mind, there is not a wrong way to do this. Your approach may be different than someone else's and that's ok. What works for some, might not work for others. Find what you respond best to.
Some start their day by writing in their journal, while others prefer to do so before bed...Don't limit yourself. If you are out and about and something comes to you, write it down!
One day you may write five things you're grateful for; another day you could have a list of ten. It isn't about the quantity. Your goal is just to write something each day.
Lists are great but also feel free to elaborate on why you're grateful.
Depending on how you choose to express yourself, you may want to draw a picture. Be creative. This is your special journal.
I will admit, when I first started this process, there were days where it seemed like a chore. I came to realize small things counted...I didn't need to over analyze. Starting a journal where I wrote what I was grateful for and the things I accomplished during the week, set me on a journey of self discovery. Who was judging? Me? If I couldn't be open with myself, then who could I really be honest with?
I invite you to not only write down what you are grateful for but to include other things as well....
Write down your goals for the day or for the week
When we physically handwrite our goals out, it's as if we are planting a seed, setting something in motion.
What were your accomplishments?
Did you finish that assignment? Were you able to get more sleep during the week? Did you clean the bathroom?
Jot down what you like about yourself
Do you like your eyes? That you're a compassionate person?
A quote that inspires and motivates you
When I'm feeling uninspired, I like to find a positive quote and then journal about the meaning and how I can apply it to my own life.
It's important to set an intent as well. I found writing it on the inside cover was a good place for mine. Your intent can be as simple as, "I set the intent to be consciously grateful."
Review your journal each month or when you're having a bad day. You've begun to create new neural pathways which will trigger positive emotions.
I have friends who find meditation to be too difficult for them. If that's the case, then why not try this? This is a a type of mediation because it relaxes and calms the mind. It grounds you when you are journaling about the positives in your life.
What are three things you're grateful for today?
Have a wonderful week!
Until next time,
XoxoTheZenFashionista
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