I have a little habit of falling asleep thinking of the things I am grateful for. It is a wonderful way to fall asleep, and I love that these are my last thoughts before I sleep each night. I decided a few weeks ago to take my gratitude to another level, I started a gratitude journal. I am not sure why I did it but I am amazed at how powerful the exercise has become.
I am use to expressing my gratitude within myself and also on this blog, but putting pen to paper, recording my gratitude and seeing the expressed words on paper have been a whole new experience. I really didn't think it would be any different, but it is.
Each night before I turn off the light at my desk, I sit down with pen in hand and write the words Gratitude today for, and then I let my feelings flow out one after the other for everything in my day that I am grateful for, the little things and the big things.
It has a certain kind of magic to it, it fills my heart and soul, it makes me happy and it completes my days perfectly.
I bet that lets you sleep soundly, thinking about the "sunshine" rather than obsessing about the "rain" of the day.
ReplyDeleteIt does..until the little man wakes me up :)
DeleteThat is such a pretty picture and what a great idea to write down your daily gratitude. So simple yet so effective. There is so much to be grateful for, sometimes we can easily overlook the little things. What you are doing is great.
ReplyDeleteThanks, it is such a simple practice with such profound outcomes.
DeleteI find when thoughts are committed to paper it brings the emotions to a whole new level. We can always find something to be grateful for and frequently I find myself getting caught up with thoughts that are just not productive!
ReplyDeleteYes, so very true. And it is in that commitment that I am finding so much more to be grateful for.
DeleteI keep a notebook too. Really, we have so much to be grateful for in this world.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the day!
We do!
DeleteLovely Kim. I find it so interesting how letting your thoughts flow out through your hands changes so deeply how you feel about any things, good or bad. :) Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteThanks KC!
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea and great way to keep your thoughts focused on the positive.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara, and yes, it does keep a focus on the positive.
DeleteWhen the boys were little and were having trouble going to sleep, I always told them to think of the good things in their lives...their own gratitude. My oldest mentioned it the other day. I couldn't believe he remembered.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! I will remember this for my little man. And how wonderful that your oldest remembers, now that is awesome!
DeleteDaily gratitude is a wonderful practice. I love writing my Seven Things each Tuesday for the same reason. I'm thankful, too for this sweet place to stop by. Thanks, Kim!
ReplyDeleteAwe, thanks Lisa.
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea. I sometimes have trouble turning off my mind at the end of the day - this seems like such a peaceful way to end the day.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gretchen. I use the be the same and it just wasn't working for me, so I switched to thinking of everything I was grateful for from the day past and it was perfect.
DeleteOh Kim - I'm so glad you've started a gratitude journal. Isn't it great? I've been keeping one for around a year or so now, and even when days are low and rough, there's always such a lot to be thankful for. Then there's also days when you find the pages just don't seem enough to contain the blessings. I even have a special fountain pen for mine :) I find that being grateful attracts and brings more blessings. Enjoy the practice.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, being grateful and expressing it brings more blessings. It has been a very magical and rewarding practice and I look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
DeleteI love this and you have inspired me to start doing the same! Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tess, and your are welcome, enjoy!
DeleteLove it! What a great "habit" to have :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie.
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