Focus on the joy
I used to spend much of my time counting down the days until the weekend. I was always looking forward to the next big thing, event or holiday. This changed when I became a minimalist, stopped buying unnecessary stuff and learnt to be present. Over time, I noticed my gratitude for the simple everyday things grew.
I began to reflect at the end of each day, focusing on my achievements and the things that made me happy. The practice became a time to give thanks to the people and moments of joy and to consider what worked well and what I’d do differently. With so much recent sadness in the news, my practice has been more valuable than ever. So, today I’m sharing some of the benefits of keeping a gratitude journal.
The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal..
1. It helps us to appreciate our lives just as they are
Gratitude has been shown to have many benefits in terms of our happiness, health, life satisfaction and the way we relate to others. Keeping a gratitude journal can increase our long-term well-being by as much as 10%! (source)
Being grateful is a wonderful feeling and an appreciation of what we have can enable us to get the very best out of life just as it is. There’s no better time to be grateful than in the present moment because happiness is our daily journey, not a destination.
2. It enables us to become more mindful
Taking a moment to consider the things we’re grateful for can stop us moving through life on autopilot. This may sound like a simple concept but when we stop dwelling on the past or thinking about the future, we’ll undoubtedly take more enjoyment from the small everyday moments. Instead of rushing to get to the next thing.
3. It encourages us to see the glass half full
Life will always be filled with challenges, but by taking the time to actively seek joy we can approach the difficult times more positively. Even on the harder days, there will always be a glimmer of joy – the beauty of nature, a message from a friend, a calming cup of tea and so on. By taking the time to actively celebrate these moments we’re less likely to be consumed by our troubles.
4. It helps to identify what makes us happy
Keeping a gratitude journal enables us to establish what makes us happy and with this, we can identify if any themes are emerging. Happiness triggers may be as simple as going for a walk or relaxing with a good book, once you’re aware of what makes you happy you can ensure there’s an abundance of it!
5. It provides a daily moment of calm
Many of us lead busy lives with limited time to relax and reflect, but by keeping a gratitude journal, we can create a positive daily habit giving ourselves some much-needed attention. This is especially beneficial if we spend our time helping others because it gives us a moment to look inward. Personal or self-reflection can be extremely insightful. It enables us to learn and grow and to get the very best from our lives.
And finally, a gratitude practice doesn’t need to consist of writing, you could simply take the time to mindfully reflect or share your thoughts with others. As always, take what works for you and leave the rest behind.
Further reading
Simple everyday rituals to support your creative work and life
How personal reflection can guide you in life and work
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a gorgeous day.
I might start on if these. Lovely to look back on too
It is a nice habit to start and it only takes about five minutes. I hope you have a lovely day!
Lovely post and all so true! Love that quote xxx
Thanks so much, Arianna!
I love this post so much Natasha! And it’s such a good idea. Why are we spending our time keeping journals of to-dos when we could keep them of joy?!
Thanks, Kirsty. Journals of joy – how lovely! I hope you’re having a gorgeous day!
Journals of joy!!! We should invent that!
‘This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!’ :)
I’ve never thought about writing a gratitude journal but as I make the change to being freelance maybe it would help me find a moment of calm in the day! x
Congratulations on going freelance! Writing a gratitude journal sounds like the perfect way to find a moment or two of calm. Enjoy your day!
A lovely post. Mindfulness, gratitude and compassion are a daily practice in our house, my partner has just spent three days at a Buddhist Conference with the focus on mindfulness.
I’d also love to remember to journal more often as I enjoy it so much when I do. Do you use a notebook or an app of any kind?
Thanks Emma for stopping by. I bet the Buddhist conference was great. I use a notebook and I jot things down in bullet points – I like to keep things simple! I hope you have a gorgeous day.
These are all the reasons why I try to mention things I’m happy about or thankful for in my diary. It isn’t only for showing gratitude but I think it’s very helpful for being satisfied in my life and focusing on the positive :) Thanks for reminding me!
Thank you, Joscelyne. I hope you’re having a great day!
That sounds like such a good thing to do, and would be the perfect use for all those beautiful notebooks I have stockpiled on my desk! x
Thanks, Kate. It’s a good excuse to stockpile pretty notebooks! :)
Lovely post hun. I’m feeling inspired to start writing these things down daily. Thanks for the reminder to not take happiness for granted.
Thanks so much, Carole. I’d love to know if you start a journal! I hope you have a lovely weekend.
I absolutely love this, I always feel better about the day if I count all the thinks to feel thankful for rather than focussing on the negative! X
Thanks so much, Fritha!
A super idea Natasha, as it is so easy to forget the small things that make us happy!
Have a super week
Ash xxx
Thanks, Ashley. Yes, it serves as a good reminder!
This is such a fab and simple idea! I’m going to try it this week and see if I notice a change x
Thank you, Lori. Fantastic – I’d love to know how you find it!
Love it! Sometimes I might take some essential things as granted. I think this diary will help to keep me grounded.
Thanks for the idea :)
xx Raquel
You’re welcome. Thanks so much for stopping by!