Note: This article is from Mai Pham's blog, where she shares her personal experience with gratitude journaling.
Some people may wonder about the relationship of these diaries to dreams and goals in life, the purpose of blogging in particular, and why it is not enough to think about the good aspects of daily life.
I used to ask the same questions in the past, underestimating the idea of writing gratitude diaries, and having difficulty committing. I stopped blogging after several days and completely forgot about it, which explains why my attempts to make positive changes in my life were unsuccessful.
Then, I decided once to commit to writing it completely to participate in the experience myself and discover its importance in achieving success. After 30 days, my life has improved a lot, and writing gratitude diaries has become an essential part that I can never do without.
Five benefits of writing a gratitude journal
1. Focusig on the good aspects of life
A person tends to overthink the negative feelings that distress and annoy them. When you write about pleasant things, you will forget your sadness and be preoccupied with optimism and positivity.
I used to get angry, upset, and sad about some issues, and I had a hard time getting over this mood even after its causes were gone and things were back to normal. Still, writing down the good events in my life helped me eliminate these hurtful feelings, and although I forgot the gratitude diaries, I wrote on the first day. When I reread them, I am overcome with joy and excitement; as a result, my worries and sorrows have lessened.
2. Restoring of inner tranquility and peace
Putting the positive aspects of my life in writing helped me regain my equilibrium, composure, and control over negative thoughts and emotions. This outcome is ordinary because focusing on the positive areas of life calms and tranquilizes the human psyche and heightens feelings of gratitude and appreciation for life. At this point, we start recording our gratitude in the diary again, and the cycle of joy and peace continues indefinitely.
3. Increasing happiness levels
I became happier after writing a gratitude diary, and because happiness is contagious, the people around me are happier and brighter than before.
My popularity among people has increased, and everyone longs for my company and to spend time with me because I spread joy and hope wherever I go. This is normal because a person tends by nature to be in the company of fun and energetic people, and avoids the depressed and complaining ones.
4. Increased self-confidence
Self-confidence is associated with practicing gratitude, contrary to what some people think because gratitude reduces the individual tendency to compare themselves with others and motivates them to go through experiences that they did not dare to go through previously because they are now hoping for good.
I have always felt self-conscious about belly fat which has reduced my self-confidence. However, I came to terms with it and accepted my appearance when I changed my perspective and praised the Lord for the grace of a healthy and potent body that helps me follow my passion in life.
5. Enhancing self-esteem
In the past, I used to raise the bar of my ambitions, and I cost myself beyond its ability, working hard until exhaustion and often failing in my endeavor. Then, I was harsh and excessive in criticizing and blaming myself for my failure.
That repeated self-criticism overthrew feelings of appreciation for myself and entered through a vicious cycle of three successive stages: putting illogical goals, failing, reprimanding myself, then trying to compensate for losses by setting more challenging goals than before, and so on.
The gratitude journal assisted me in overcoming the mentioned problems. As a result, I now have a better understanding of myself, am conscious of my capabilities and desires, respect my body and myself, and take the time to look after and appreciate them. So, I became an optimistic person, which increased my productivity.
In conclusion
In the past, negative thoughts were the decision-makers in my life, and I, in turn, was unconcerned with my responsibility to myself and unaware of my ability to stop the impact of the negative mindset and destructive thoughts.
The gratitude diary helped me change my perspective on aspects of my life and appreciate the opportunities the universe gives me daily, such as the blessing of life. I started enjoying every moment of it, and based on the above, I advise you to smile as soon as you wake up in the morning by remembering the good events that happened the previous day. Being grateful for everything in your life, you must live a joyful and fruitful day when your morning begins with joy and hope for good.
You need to take control of your life, decide how to get the most out of each day, and start a gratitude journal as soon as possible.
Add comment