Create Your Rescue Pack (Part 4)
Oprah first made Gratitude Journaling a Must for Americans back in the 90’s and has said it is the single most important thing she has ever done. Oprah taught us back then that when you pay attention to all of the little things in life that are great, you are more alive and receptive to what shows up in your life. She says “If you want to change your state of being, start with gratitude…You radiate and generate more goodness for yourself when you’re aware of all you have and not focusing on your have-nots.
This has held true in my own life and in the lives of everyone I know who have taken the time to actually do the work. Coming up with 5 things a day that we are grateful for is actually quite easy the more you do it. It’s having the discipline to actually make the list every day that can be difficult. I am telling you that Gratitude Journaling will pay you many times over the little effort that you put in.
Here is a list of my 5 Gratitude Journal entries:
I am grateful that I was able to sleep in this morning.
I am grateful for my relationship with my sister and that we still laugh an giggle together in our forties.
I am grateful that my hubby brought me coffee this morning
I am grateful that I settled Robin’s* divorce this week and that she feels relieved. (Name has been changed)
I am grateful that my mom is feeling better this week.
You see that your list may contain anything from the mundane to the super meaningful. Now, as I sit here writing this, I am grateful to hear the birds chirping in my backyard.
When we focus on the good, the challenges in life lose a little bit of significance. We see that we are blessed in many other ways and that there is good in life. It takes our mind away, even if for a moment, from the stress, anxiety and tames the Monkey Mind. What we appreciate, appreciates. When we appreciate the good, we find more good. If we appreciate the $4.30 that we found in the car console, then we remember that money will show itself in unexpected ways. If we appreciate the traits that drew us to our ex, we tend to see more good in them which reduces the acrimony.
Put a little notecard and a writing pad or journal next to your alarm clock. On the notecard write “Gratitude Journal” and set it up right in front of your clock. Set your clock for 5 minutes earlier and when you awaken you will be reminded to do your journaling. There is power in writing so don’t cheat and just think of things (although that is a good practice to do throughout the day.) If you are having a bad time and can’t think of anything, then write, I am thankful I did not get hit by a car yesterday…I am thankful I have hot water for my shower…I am thankful that we have leftovers and I don’t have to cook tonight. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
If you have forgotten what paper and pen are, and just can’t get off of your Iphone, Oprah has a Gratitude app http://gratitude365app.com.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Oprahs-Gratitude-Journal-Oprah-on-Gratitude#ixzz44ns4N1js