When I was going through a difficult time and struggling with infertility, improving my health, and healing autoimmune disease symptoms, I was overwhelmed, and emotionally and physically drained. This was not what I planned or how I thought the next chapter of my life was going to go.
I started journaling my experience, mostly daily, to get it all out and always ended each journal entry with at least five things I was grateful for that day. Focusing on what I did have in my life and what brought me joy instead of what I felt was lacking provided a much needed mind shift at the end of each day. Gratitude is easy when life is good. Practicing gratitude when life is not going so well has the power to heal.
Having an attitude of gratitude has been shown to improve physical and psychological health, reduce depression, increase happiness, improve self-esteem, and makes people more empathetic and resilient. Gratitude also reduces stress and improves sleep, both of which have tremendous benefits to our physical health.
After having a baby, I took a break from journaling. I was sleep deprived and often in survival mode and too exhausted at the end of the day. I really enjoyed the process and noticed a shift in my mindset when I was practicing gratitude, so I recently bought a new journal and have starting journaling again. I have a love affair with anchors, which is the symbol of Hope, so I was excited to find a new journal with an anchor on it! Here is one that is similar if you love anchors too!
There are several ways to start a gratitude journal. I use a combined approach where I capture my experiences of the day and conclude each entry with at least five things I am grateful for. Others choose to have a dedicated gratitude journal that is solely used to recognize and affirm the good in their life. There are also gratitude journals that have daily prompts to provide guidance. I used a gratitude journal app on my phone that I liked for a while, especially when I was traveling a lot for work and was afraid of leaving my journal in a hotel somewhere. Some people choose to journal every day, every couple of days, or once a week.
I invite you to begin or recommit to practicing gratitude and focusing on the “Haves.” Instead of focusing on what is missing in your life, focus on what you have. Write down at least 3-5 things you are grateful for each night, either in a journal, note section on your phone, or in a gratitude app. Notice how it makes you feel after each entry and after a few days of practice.
What are you grateful for?
