Harness Gratitude Through Journaling

Journaling does not have to be fancy as it can be hard to carve out time during our busy schedule to plan out and create a layout. However, this process itself can be therapeutic so if you do have the time give it a go!

Journaling can be used as a time for reflection – what went well and what didn’t this month/week? It can also be a great reminder of the little moments in life, which can often be overlooked easily. If daily journaling is something that you cannot commit to (like myself), I recommend you find time once every week or month to reflect on the pleasant things in everyday life.

Before I started my medication and therapy for anxiety and depression, little hiccups felt catastrophic to me. Like the end of the world has arrived and I have nothing to live for. The emotions were so intense that it did in fact feel like the world was ending and I put myself under unnecessary stress. I gave so much of my energy to these tiny moments (in the grand scheme of things) that I had little energy to enjoy the good things in life.

I have found that difficult days do not feel as catastrophic when I take the time to sit in and appreciate the happy moments in my life. My bad days feel a little less dramatic and it’s a great reminder that life in all it’s chaos isn’t so bad after all.

Here are a list of (little) things that make me (very) happy:

• My cat purring on my chest

• Morning tea

• Listening to podcasts

• My sunroom because we have so many plants and art up on the wall

• Long painting sessions (in my sunroom)

Remember that your list does not have to be overly exciting. After you identify moments that make you happy, you will have an easier time sitting in moments that make you feel good. It makes you more aware of what is going on around you and overall will help you be more appreciative of life.

Take care and stay safe 🙂