One of
the nicest gifts I ever saw a lady get, was a gratitude journal.
It was
assembled by the ladies in her church and everyone wrote a
page about the wonderful, loving and gentle soul of this lady.
They wrote memories of her, and the blessings that she had
brought into their lives. They expressed their gratitude in
her friendship and the wonderful fellowship they had shared
with her. When they presented this journal to her, there wasn't
a dry eye in the place! How wonderful to put into words, the
thoughts we have about our friends and loved ones, yet don't
always express.
You can
create a gratitude journal for a friend or loved one, on the
occasion of a birthday or special day, or just because. It
is especially nice when you can have other people reflect
on the journal as well, to share in the blessings you have
to give back to the intended recipient.
There
is another type of Gratitude Journal and that is one that
you personally keep to highlight the blessings that come to
you and your life. Keeping a journal just of the truely special
events of your life that you wish to cherish and remember
when times are low, can certainly give you a sense of peace
in this chaotic life. I find when I write in this special
journal I keep, it truely reminds me of the things in life
that are so special. I may write daily for a few days, then
go a month between writings. However, each time I return and
glance through the pages, I am reminded of the true blessings
of my life through little special events and happenings that
sometimes we forget about in our stressful, busy lives! A
gratitude journal can help you to keep your blessings counted!
- Find a lovely journal that
is special to you. A gift journal that perhaps is not something
you would write in daily is perfect. Or perhaps one that is
a little small. You want to be able to record breif moments
and thoughts of gratitude, not necessarily long winded diatribes
of daily thoughts!
- If you are giving this journal
as a gift, remember to protect it with a strudy envelope or
small box while it is making it's rounds to the various authors.
You might want to slip it into a plastic bag to protect it
while it travels about.
You might want to write in this
journal only when the mood strikes, however, it might be helpful
to pick a day of the week that you'd like to set up a routine
with... perhaps Sunday after church or Monday morning to set
your week off on a positive note!
