Creating a gratitude journal can be a great way to help you maintain an "attitude of gratitude". Below are a few tips to help you get started!
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Get a Special Journal: If you can, get a specific "gratitude journal" that you'll use just for your daily gratitude writing. Choose a journal that you look forward to writing in every day, one that brings you joy. This could be a leather-bound journal or a brightly colored notebook. If you can't get a specific notebook or journal, that's no problem! You can write what you're grateful for on loose-leaf paper, in a notebook with other notes, or even on a whiteboard.
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Be Consistent: Consider creating a tiny habit to help make writing in your gratitude journal a part of your everyday routine. For example, you might create a tiny habit to write one page in your journal each day. Your "anchor" for when you complete this habit could be right after you wake up, after you put your pajamas on at night, or any other consistent part of your daily routine that works for you. Once you write your page for the day, don't forget to celebrate!
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Reflect: The key is to focus on the things in your life that make you feel grateful. Did someone do something kind for you recently? Were you able to accomplish a goal? The things you're grateful for might be larger life events like the birth of a grandchild or smaller everyday things like the chance to take an outdoor walk on a beautiful spring day.
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Be Specific: When writing what you are grateful for, be as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying, “I’m thankful for my family”, write about a specific family member or something they did that you appreciate. This will help you focus on the details and truly appreciate the good things in your life.
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Be Creative: The journal should be unique to you. You can consider adding photos, quotes, or even sketches of things that you are grateful for in life. This can help keep the journal engaging and entertaining so you look forward to writing in it.
With a little bit of practice, you can make writing in a gratitude journal part of your everyday routine!