A few years ago, I began a simple yet profound practice: keeping a gratitude journal. At first, it was a quiet space for me to record things that made me feel thankful—a place where positivity could bloom despite the challenges I faced. When I was going through divorce, that journal became a lifeline. Every day, I’d focus on moments of light, no matter how small, and I discovered that even amidst pain and uncertainty, gratitude had the power to heal and transform.
Today, this practice continues, but it has also grown into something more beautiful. Each night, Bergen and I each share three things we’re grateful for. Sometimes it’s the big things—love, family, health—and other times, it’s the tiniest joys, like a moment of laughter or a beautiful sunset. But no matter what we share, it brings us closer together and reminds us of the richness in our lives.
With the division and strife in our country today, staying grounded in gratitude is more important than ever. It’s easy to be pulled into negativity, but taking a moment to reflect on the blessings around us, large and small, can shift our perspectives. For me, this practice has been a pathway to greater joy, deeper love, and a more resilient heart. I hope it can do the same for you. Start small. Keep going. And watch how gratitude changes everything.
Starting a gratitude practice is simple and can bring a lot of positivity and joy into your life. Here are some practical tips to get started:
1. Start Small: Begin by writing down one or two things you're grateful for each day. You don't need to make it a long list; even one heartfelt moment of gratitude can make a difference.
2. Set a Routine: Choose a consistent time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. Many people find that morning or before bed works well. This helps you build a habit and creates a positive start or end to your day.
3. Use a Journal or Notebook: Dedicate a notebook specifically for your gratitude practice. I purchased a specific "Gratitude Journal" because it helped me focus. Writing things down helps solidify your reflections and allows you to look back and see how far you've come.
4. Be Specific: Instead of saying, "I'm grateful for my family," try to be more specific, like "I'm grateful for the fun conversation I had with my sister today." Specificity helps deepen your appreciation.
5. Focus on Different Areas of Your Life: Consider gratitude in all aspects of life—relationships, work, health, small daily pleasures, or even challenges that helped you grow.
6. Involve Others: Share your gratitude practice with someone else. This could be a partner, friend, or family member. As I do each night, sharing what you're grateful for can foster connection and deepen relationships.
7. Keep It Positive (But Real): While it’s good to be positive, it's also okay to acknowledge hard days. Finding even one small thing to be thankful for during tough times can be especially healing.
8. Reflect on Your Entries: Take time every so often to reread past entries. It’s a beautiful reminder of what you’ve been through, what has brought you joy, and how much you’ve grown.
9. Be Patient with Yourself: Building a habit takes time. If you miss a day or feel like you're repeating yourself, don’t be hard on yourself. Every moment of gratitude counts.
10. Mix It Up: If you feel like you are getting bored, try adding a new twist. For example, list three things you're grateful for about yourself, a challenge that brought growth, or something in nature that brings you joy.
Starting a gratitude practice doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about noticing the goodness in your life and allowing that awareness to fill your heart and mind. The more you practice, the more you’ll see just how much there is to be thankful for. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, there's no better time to start a gratitude practice and invite more thankfulness, joy, and connection into your life. Let's show some love to each other.
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