As a Rec Therapist, I can take ownership for the constant encouragement or for lack of a better word 'pestering' towards gratitude journals.
There is a reason. A really, really good reason for us Rec Therapists to push gratitude recording/journals. Many good reasons actually.
Some of the benefits of Gratitude Journals include:
-Increased positivity (Feeling happy)
-Increased self-esteem (Feeling good about yourself/confidence)
-Reduces stress and anxiety (Makes the Yucky feelings go bye-bye)
-Assists with better sleep (being able to relax)
-SO MUCH MORE!!
So I am notorious for telling my friends and family about how beneficial gratitude journals are and they can help with countless struggles and so on and so forth. Recently, I spoke with a friend trying to quit smoking and vaping. I encouraged him to get a journal and track his progress, the reasons why he wants to quit (save money, better for his health etc.), journal every day when he 'needs' a smoke or to vape. I encouraged him to journal every day 3 things he was grateful for. 3 things every day that he wants to be around for to experience again. 3 things every day that will encourage him to continue on the challenging journey of quitting an unhealthy habit.
He did it. He went out and bought a journal and starting to document every day. And I was SHOCKED!!!
Not shocked because of who he is, or that I doubted his willingness to listen to his friend (ME), but shocked because I finally got to put my career to good use with friends and family and see the benefits first hand.
Now, the title is "Not as easy as you think", and for good reason. Being able to proactively and thoughtfully document why you are grateful EVERY DAY is very, very challenging. This post is coming on Thanksgiving weekend. So think about when you are sitting around the table and everyone is going around saying what they are grateful for. 9 times out of 10 "I am grateful for my family" will be the #1 answer.
Well, Steve, let's talk about the other answers up on the board.
I challenge everyone reading this post to write down 3 things every day that you are grateful for. The hard part is making it DIFFERENT every day. You will quickly change your perspective on how 'easy it is' to be grateful. Look for the little things you experience every day. Take 5-10 minutes every night before bed and jot them down on a sticky note, a journal or whatever you need.
After a week, a month, or a year... You won't believe how many things there are to be grateful for every day. I hope you see the positive moments in your day, I hope you enjoy the stress-free sleep and the boost in your confidence and self-esteem.
There are so many things to be grateful for, but let's start with ourselves.
Happy Thanksgiving.
P.S.
-I am grateful for my family and friends, my job, my cats, my clients at work, and for that first, blissful sip of tea when I feel yucky.
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