Gratitude Journal
My apologies for not being more regular with posts as of late. I’ve been trying to keep everything up in the air, and it certainly is not easy in a time of distress. But I have been keeping my head up by thinking about how grateful I am for the wonderful things in my life.
One path to higher levels of health and happiness is to keep a gratitude journal, a diary wherein you record the things for which you are grateful. According to Robert Emmons, a leading expert in positive psychology, “health improves, relationships get better, people are more active and enthusiastic. There are benefits for others, too, as happier people are more creative, productive and easier to be around.” (“Let Us Give Thanks. In Writing.” Fountain, H. New York Times, Nov. 22, 2007). Also, lonely and sad people can usually become less so once they choose to see the brighter side of life.
I admit I have not been writing in it every day, but I do make mental lists. Sometimes, I can only think of the big things: my health, having a roof over my head with heat and light, living in the U.S., etc. But it does not always have to be the big things. It can also be the small, everyday things that we don’t always notice: the sun peeping in through the blinds, the sound of Whisper breathing, the taste of fresh tomatoes from a farmer’s market.
I challenge you to try it for a week. It may be difficult to start a journal if you are not used to writing daily. You might start by simply taking an extra moment to acknowledge a good feeling—a compliment, a job well done, a sweet-smelling flower, etc. Then say to yourself, “I am thankful for…”. You can also write a letter of gratitude to someone who has been very helpful or influential in your life. Sharing thanks is a way to quickly increase positive energy.
Leave a comment here and let me know how it works!
Other resources:
Book: The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want, by Sonja Lyubomirsky
Website: The Happiness Project
Danielle
