I wholeheartedly embrace the importance of being grateful for what you have and believe it’s important to think about your blessings often. That’s why the idea of keeping a gratitude journal appeals to me. (I also do a sentence-a-day journal entry and a Victory Log entry every day, too.)
I’ve tried several times to keep one over the years, but the “gratitude” concept was just too big for me. Obviously, you’re grateful for your family members, your friends, your job, your health, etc. — but after you name the big things, it’s hard (at least for me) to drill down to lower-level things you’re grateful for. And, let’s face it, most of the things that happen every day are not the “big stuff.”
That’s why, when I changed my thinking somewhat and began writing a simple list of “Three Good Things” that happened every day, it was much easier for me to recount the many, many small things that happen and add up to a happy life. The weather was perfect today – add it to the list. You had a good day at work – write it down.
Unfortunately, every so often you wrack your brain for three good things at the end of the day and all you can add to the list is, “I’m glad this day is over.” That’s OK, too.
Some ideas for your Three Good Things daily list are:
1) An accomplishment that made you feel good about yourself
2) People who did or said something that made a positive difference
3) Great qualities about your partner or child
4) People who supported you in some way
5) Moments when you felt inner peace or serenity
6) Something that made you laugh
7) Something that relieved a worry
8) Things you like about yourself
9) Moments when you felt physical relief (after a workout, etc.)
10) Avoiding a problem, an accident or a mistake (being grateful for what “could have been”)
I find it relaxing and uplifting to write this list right before I go to sleep at night. It’s a positive way to end your day and it’s great to scroll back through the day to remember and note the things that went right.
Do you keep a gratitude journal? What types of entries do you make?
Related blog posts:
Ten Reasons to Keep a Sentence-a-Day Five Year Journal
Victory Log — List Today’s Accomplishments, Gain Satisfaction
Create a Happiness Jar — and Enrich Your Life in Less Than a Minute a Day
Feel-Good Way to Start 2015: List 200 Accomplishments
December Daily — a Fun Way to Document the Holidays
You Can Make Someone You Love the Best Gift Ever — at No Cost
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Enjoyed your ideas on how to journal Three Good Things Daily and the great prompt suggestions!
Linda,
Thanks so much!
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