I’m keeping a gratitude journal for three weeks. Every evening or morning I use a pen to express thanks for three things in a journal.
3 Lessons from the Gratitude Project
#1. Community:
We learn and grow best in community.
A friend of mine texted me Monday night, “Did you do your assignment?” I knew what she was talking about.
- The path forward seems easier when others know where you’re going. Declare the skills you’re working to develop.
- Projects feel more enjoyable when someone notices what you’re doing.
- Motivation increases when others are pulling for you.
#2. Morning gratitude:
Morning gratitude is prospective.
Gratitude in the morning moves attention to opportunity, more than difficulty or problem.
When I’m grateful in the morning, I look forward to things I’ll accomplish. I focus on the value of my strengths and how I might bring value to others.
#3. Evening gratitude:
Evening gratitude is retrospective.
We understand life in retrospect. Kirkegaard said, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
Gratitude in the evening reveals values. You’re thankful for things that matter to you.
5 tips for keeping a gratitude journal:
- Write. Don’t type. Put pen to paper.
- Let others know what you’re doing.
- Record three different items every day.
- Be real. If you’re thankful for the strawberry pie, record it.
- Be specific. I wrote ‘the warmth of my wife’s lips last night when we kissed in front of the stove’.
Maybe a few weeks of keeping a gratitude journal would do you good.
What have you learned from keeping a gratitude journal?
What tips might you offer for keeping a gratitude journal?
Bonus material:
Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal (Berkeley)
Gratitude Journal: 67 Templates, Ideas, and Apps for Your Diary (Positive Psychology)
The Benefits of a Gratitude Journal and How to Maintain One (Huff Post)
