How to Start a Gratitude Journal and Embrace It + Giveaway

I’ve always been a journal-er. I remember as a child, I used to write down my inner most thoughts in my journal or diary. I stopped journaling for a while, and started focusing on my blog. However, last year I picked it back up and started a gratitude journal. It was a dedication to my little cousin who lost his life last year to gun violence. Before he passed away, he was working hard and wanted to give us a small Christmas gift. I used the money to get a journal and a nice pen. His bright personality made an indent in each and every one of our lives. My goal was to use the journal to write down those small blessings that we sometimes take for granted. It truly helped me to grow and appreciate the small things.

Oprah Winfrey shared, “I know for sure that appreciating whatever shows up for you in life changes your personal vibration. You radiate and generate more goodness for yourself when you’re aware of all you have and not focusing on your have-nots.”

I’ve grown so much since I first started my gratitude journal so I decided to create a new one to reflect where I am today as a woman, youth development professional, and writer. I’m going to share with you all how to start a new gratitude journal.

Step 1: Decide on the medium

This is the easy part! What type of medium will you use to compose your gratitude journal? Do you want digital journal using apps like Evernote, Drive, or a start a blog solely focused on gratitude? Or do you prefer a physical journal?

I am an avid clearance shopper. I stumbled upon a Yoobi journal at Target for only $2.o8. I decided to snatch it up for my new gratitude journal. It’s perfect. It’s not too small or too big. I can carry it around with me in my purse or keep it in my night stand.

Step 2: Personalize It

This is a simple step. Add your own personal touches that will reflect what your journal means to you. You can include a photo or your favorite quote that fills your heart with joy. I used some stickers and decals to personalize my gratitude journal. It’s complete awesomeness!

Step 3: Schedule a Time

If you are anything like me, you have to schedule everything in your planner. Schedule a time for your journal and you for a few moments. It’s an opportunity for you to unwind and reflect on the great things that happened do you. You can set a schedule to a write daily or weekly list of things to add in your gratitude journal. While you are scheduling time, you should also remain flexible because there may be moments when you must jot it down immediately.

Step 4: Find Joy in the Moments or People

This is a simple concept. Right? However, some people struggle with it. They become a Negative Nancy about everything, and they miss out on the joyous moments or happy times with the people in their lives. I believe it’s one of the most important steps in the process of creating a gratitude journal. How can you have one if you struggle to find moments or people to write about in your journal?

Step 5: Embrace It

Embrace your gratitude journal by reflecting on your list of “gratefuls”. If you ever have a bad day (we all have them), you can open your journal and read all of the wonderful moments you have experienced in the past. It can easily turn your bad days into happy days.

In an effort to encourage you to start a gratitude journal, I’m hosting my first giveaway just for you! One lucky reader will win a journal kit with a decorative journal, pens, notecards, and other goodies. To enter to win, visit the link below sign up for the giveaway. Only entries through the form will be valid. Giveaway ends in two days on Tuesday, April 12 at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 13th. This giveaway is only open to US entries!

Now, it’s your turn. Do you have a gratitude journal? How often do you write in it?

Gratitude Journal + Writing Goodies Giveaway
https://js.gleam.io/e.js