You have probably heard of the gratitude journal. This was one of Oprah’s frequent topics when she had her television show on a main network. Many of us may not have time to write in a journal. Some of you may have to juggle work, young children, aging parents and life surprises. You may barely have time to brush your teeth after doing the lunches and putting the children to bed, with your full intention focused on collapsing into bed to get that sweet sleep! So how indeed can you find time to write in a journal?
I am here to tell you that giving gratitude does not necessarily have to be written down. Yes, writing it down reinforces the gratitude but if we are looking at you doing nothing because you can’t add anything else to your “to do” list doing gratitude mentally or verbally will suffice.
Giving gratitude can be done during a mindful moment. Like taking your first sip of coffee in the morning while the house is still quiet, hearing the birds in the trees welcoming the day, feeling the warm liquid in your mouth and throat. Or when taking a walk, feeling the breeze on your face, the humidity in the air with a touch of fall air that you can’t quite put your finger on, noticing the trees losing their first leaves and feeling totally grateful in the moment. You can take a “mental snapshot” in the moment and mentally give gratitude for having 2 good legs and being able to take that 15 minutes to go for a walk.
Giving gratitude can be in that moment when you share a joyous event with your family, again taking that mental snapshot, this time of people smiling and laughing and being happy to be together. Families have their ups and downs so giving gratitude for those warm and fuzzy moments is important.
As you are about to fall asleep as your head hits the pillow, reflect for one minute: did I give gratitude today? And if you can’t recall! In your mind’s eye reflect briefly on a few moments during the day that were “gratitude worthy”.
As you are about to fall asleep as your head hits the pillow, reflect for one minute: did I give gratitude today? And if you can’t recall! In your mind’s eye reflect briefly on a few moments during the day that were “gratitude worthy”.