What do you do if you feel like you’re stuck in a gratitude rut?
Gratitude is something that’s ongoing, but have you ever thought that there’s more to it than just writing down three things that you’re grateful for each day?
If you’ve been gratitude journaling for some time, you might be wondering if you’re getting all the benefits that you can. Of course, each of us have to make that decision for ourselves, but there are things you can do to maximize your gratitude journaling. Read on for three simple ways to maximum your gratitude journaling practice.
Mix Things Up
Usually, when it comes to gratitude journaling, most people think of writing letters to themselves or writing about their feelings. But this isn’t the only format to use when you are journaling, and it may not be the most effective for you.
Consider changing up how you journal or using more than one format per entry. This is one way of making sure you’re getting the most out of your journal. Some formats to try include mind maps, tables, doodles, lists or even poems. Whichever suits you best.
Write Yourself Compliments
If you’ve been around the Making Time blog for any amount of time, you know that I’m a proponent of positive self-talk. When it comes to gratitude journaling, most people just write about all the things or people they are grateful for in their lives. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, just don’t forget that you should always be thankful for the most important person, yourself!
Talk that positive self-talk and write a few things that you like about yourself every day when you journal. That way, over time, you can watch your transformation as you become a better version of yourself.
Don’t Forget The Lessons
Life is hard. None of us get through it unscathed. Sometimes bad things happen and sometimes you make mistakes. But it’s okay, and even something you should be thankful for! As I said in my article in the book, “Celebrating 365 Days Of Gratitude,” I’m grateful for the hard times. Because they really help you appreciate when times are good.
If the situation is one where you’ve made a mistake, instead of looking at it as a setback, include it in your gratitude journaling as a lesson. Come back to it so that you can learn from it. And then be grateful for the lesson you have had the opportunity to learn. This will help keep you from making the same mistakes again.
So, there you have it, three ways that you can switch up your gratitude journaling to add a fresh take to your gratitude practice. After all, your gratitude journal is a safe space for you to express everything you are grateful for without any outside judgment.
Let’s talk, how do you plan to mix things up with your gratitude journaling? Let me know in the comments section.
Cassandra Martin-Himmons is a facilitator, stress management coach and author of “Yes I’m Grateful,” a gratitude journal. She believes in empowering her clients to help them manage their stress and increase self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, volunteering and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn