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How to Start Growing a Habit of Gratitude Right Now

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Once you are committed to creating a habit of thinking of what you’re grateful for each day, it’s time to consider making it a written activity! I know it can be intimidating for people who don’t like to write. I also understand “time” for busy mamas is always a challenge. But in all honesty, it really doesn’t take much more time to write it down than to simply think of what you appreciate.

The possibilities are endless and it can be as simple or as in-depth as you choose. You don’t have to have strong writing skills in order to jot down a couple of sentences. Do you prefer to draw? Write the word of what you’re thankful for and doodle a picture around it. You could also just copy a gratitude verse to go back to during or at the end of the day.

Let’s see if I can’t help you make the process seem less stressful. I really don’t want you to miss this! There truly are some amazing benefits that come from the physical process of creating a record of gratefulness.

Let’s look at How to Start Growing a Habit of Gratitude Right Now

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Why a Gratitude Journal?

While it’s called a “gratitude journal”, I love how it also becomes a “record”. Ultimately you’re recording your journey in different seasons of life, good and hard. What you are left with is a beautiful insight into your life and experiences. It can even be something your family treasures after you are gone. There aren’t enough words to express how much I now appreciate the writings left behind by my family.

I’m a pen and paper girl when it comes to these things but you don’t have to write in a paper journal. The important part is that you take the time each day to record a few things that you are grateful for. Writing down what you’re appreciative of each day brings that sense of gratefulness to the forefront. It allows you to focus on the positive, helping you to spot opportunities you might otherwise have missed. Since keeping a gratitude journal gives you a written record, you can pull it out and look back on it any time you’re feeling down. It can provide you with encouragement in the toughest of times.

A Few Benefits of a Gratitude Journal

There are so many awesome benefits to keeping a gratitude journal! For one, committing to writing it out in this way ensures that you take captive your thoughts at least daily to focus on God’s blessings. I know firsthand bad things happen and there are grueling seasons of life. But when you have an overall emphasis on finding the good, God uses it to help to provide you with the resilience to keep going.

Studies have shown that your stress levels will decrease as you begin embracing an attitude of gratitude. Plus, the act of writing can be therapeutic in itself. How do you know unless you give it a try? 🙂 Writing also helps give you a different perspective on things that you might not see as readily without engaging in the process. You can look back and identify thought patterns and get insight into your life. This insight often helps us see opportunities to grow in our relationship with the Lord and with others.

3 Tips for Using Your Gratitude Journal

The most important thing when it comes to using a gratitude journal is the consistency of practice. Some people journal twice daily. Others prefer once. Regardless, it will only be effective if you use it regularly. Commit to being consistent in using your gratitude journal and you will see the benefits!

One of the best ways to help yourself want to use your journal is to choose a format you enjoy. I know I’m a pen a paper girl when it comes to journaling. But I’ll be the first to say don’t force yourself to write in a journal by hand if you prefer to use electronic methods. You can keep your records in a simple word processing doc or use one of many apps that are available for this purpose.

On the other hand, if you, like me, are inspired by a beautifully-bound paper journal, find one that speaks to you and starts writing your thoughts down right away! No matter what you use, keep it handy by your bedside or on easily accessed devices. Making it easy to grab will help you be inclined to write more consistently.

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No matter what you do, make it your own. Make it special, a process that feeds your soul. Learn gratitude stacking as we talked about yesterday – it really helps you to be intentional in it. Incorporate your morning coffee into your gratitude journal writing or turn on your essential oils diffuser for an incredible aroma to accompany your routine. Just make it yours.

A gratitude journal can be an insightful and life-changing tool. Remember, you only have to write a couple of simple things you’re grateful for. There’s no need to make it complicated. Start Growing a Habit of Gratitude Right Now and see what it can do for you!