Since the start of 2016, I have been keeping a ‘One Minute Diary’, or ‘Gratitude Journal’. I got the idea after a large number of folk in my twitter stream were reviewing ‘Book of You‘. I didn’t want to buy the book; But after some research I discovered there was an app. I downloaded it and started using it a couple of days after New Year. The second or third suggestion it made was to keep a ‘One Minute Diary’.
What is a ‘Gratitude Journal’?
The concept was simple: every day take one minute to write down something from the day that made me grateful. I quite quickly uninstalled the YOU app; There are only so many new things I am capable of introducing into my life. But the ‘One Minute Diary’ was something that really struck a chord with me. Six months on and I am still doing it. Sometimes I literally spend a minute; Sometimes I spend longer because there are more things I want to write.
Do I always have something to write about?
Life is always full of ups-and-downs. There have been a lot of days where I cram the page of my little book full of things that have made me truly happy that day. Then there are days where it’s a struggle to think so something. But the remarkable thing is that there is always something that has made me happy and grateful. A couple of years ago I did something called ‘100 Happy Days‘ and this reminds me of that. Although rather than publicly sharing photos, this is a private and personal reflection.
What have I learnt?
The most important thing, as previously mentioned, is that there is always something in everyday to be happy for. Even if it’s just a cup of tea whilst sitting on the sofa. Realising this has actually slowly and subtly changed my perception on life; My general outlook is more positive and I try to see the good is a situation there-and-then.. There is one other thing that is apparent when I occasionally flick back through previous entries; Not unexpectedly, little H is consistently my main source of happy moments!
Have any of you tried to keep ‘Gratitude Journal’? What are you experiences? Or is this something you’d consider starting?
34 comments On My experience keeping a Gratitude Journal
This is a great idea. It really makes you think about the little nice things. I’m going to try it now. Thanks for sharing x
Let me know how you get on with it! Thanks for reading x
I have a gratitude journal. I haven’t used it for a long time so I’m glad I’ve read this post because I’ll start using it again. I found that I was really positive and things just kept going my way. I really believe in the law of attraction.
Thank you for your comment and I’m glad it’s inspired you to start yours again! Hope you get even more positivity in life once you do 🙂
I love this idea. I used to write a weekly roundup in which I reflected on my favourite moments of the week. You are right there is always something positive especially in those difficult weeks. #FamilyFun
I would really recommend it. The beauty of a journal is it can be silly or private things which you don’t want to share. But it then it’s also a great way to build up a monthly roundup if you feel like it! Thanks for reading x
I keep a happy list going on my blog each week. Some days I forget to record it but I do try and do it daily in pen so I don’t forget. It’s nice to look back on isn’t it? Lovely post x
Thanks for linking up to #familyfun
Karen : TwoTinyHands recently posted…Blackpool Illuminations 2016
It’s definitely nice to reflect back. I read my old ones sometimes to remind myself of a great year! Thanks for reading x
A few years ago I read a blog called 3 Beautiful Things (no longer going) where every day she wrote down 3 things that she was grateful for that day. I loved the idea and have done it myself on and off whenever I keep a diary and always feel better when I do.
#FamilyFun
Alana – Burnished Chaos recently posted…Words To Live By #6: Do Not Judge
Such a lovely idea for a blog. Shame it’s not around anymore! Glad it also picks you up as well when you do it. Thanks for reading x
I have never tried this but it certainly seems like a good thing to do. It is so easy to take little things for granted when actually if reflect on something positive each day it could really help to keep us happy and positive. Thank you for sharing with us at #familyfun
I would heartily recommend. It’s so quick but just gives you an end of day pick-me-up. thanks for reading x
What a lovely idea. I’d really like to start this. I’ve been feeling low recently and I could do with reminding myself of the positives, even on the crappiest of days! I’m sure it’s a lovely thing to look back on too? #FamilyFun
I would really recommend starting one then. It doesn’t need a fancy notepad or anything. Some days I really have to think hard but there is something there! Hope you feel cheerier soon and thanks for reading xx
What a great idea. On a really shitty day there’s still got to be a few things we’re grateful for! Thanks for linking up with us again for #marvmondays
I have surprisingly never failed to find something! Thanks for reading x
Oh what a fabulous idea. I think it’s so important to take a moment to reflect and be grateful. #MarvMondays
Definitely. It’s not stopped me from being grumpy occasionally, but it’s definitely made me more positive! I now get quite frustrated when others around me (my OH included!) seem to look at the negatives all the time. Thanks for reading x
What a lovely idea and how heart warming it must be to read back on all the positive things you have mentioned #MarvMondays
Yes I read through some entries from March the other bedtime and it made me smile. So many are about my little girl too. I’ll have to keep it to show her when she’s older! Thanks for reading x
A really good idea! It’s so important to focus on the positive otherwise the frustrations of life can consume and overwhelm you making you forget about the great #MarvMondays
Amie recently posted…My Smiggle Wishlist
Yep, spot on. It has really made me do that. It’s now second nature actually. Some days I’m too tired to be bothered writing a gratitude down. But I always reflect on the day and mentally store something to add tomorrow. And more generally when things feel rubbish, I try and find a positive! It makes such a difference to one’s mindset. Thanks for reading x
What a great idea. I think it can sometimes be so easy to focus on the negativity life throws our way, so a gratitude journal would be such a great plan. #marvmondays
Cherry – The Newby Tribe recently posted…Blogging And The Power Of Procrastination
It’s definitely helped me keep my mindset more positive. It’s worth the small investment of time; It pays back in the minutes loads grumbling and moaning each day. Haha! Thanks for stopping by x
I’ve added a gratitude journal to my bullet journal (so obsessed!) and it’s such a nice thing to sit down and do. So for today for example, sure my washing machine has broken, but one of my friends popped round this morning and brought cake! Gotta keep those little things in mind! x #MarvMondays
That’s a great idea! I’ve debated adding it to my bullet journal but I’m a little anxious I’ll leave at work one day and there are some things I’d rather my colleagues couldn’t inadvertently read 🙂
Cake sounds awesome! Hope you get your washing machine fixed soon. Thanks for reading x
I have kept a gratitude journal in the past and loved writing down the 3 things I was thankful for 🙂 Popping over from #marvmondays
It really is such a nice way to keep in mind the good stuff! Thanks for reading x
What a lovely idea!!!
Emily / Babies & Beauty / #marvmondays
Emily recently posted…What Not To Say To A Nicu Mum
Thanks for reading x
I love this idea and with the new year in the not too distant future I may well make this my New Years Resolution xx #dreamteam
I would whole heartedly recommend it. I’m going to keep doing it next year for certain. A new diary is on my Christmas list! Thanks for stopping by x
I like this idea. I did 100 happy days a few years ago too. Some ‘ordinary’ days were difficult, but like you say, it does help you to find the joy in the ordinary! #DreamTeam
Lucy’s Locket recently posted…You are not your labels
It really does. I know it’s made me a more positive person. It’s not stopped me being grumpy and cynical but I can find the positive too. Haha! Thanks for reading x
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About Me
Hello, I'm Angela. I'm Mum to two small people (4 & 1). I'm a Gardener, am houseplant obsessed and addicted to tea. By day I work in tech and also look after my littles. I'm trying to get our family to live a more sustainable life. I also have far too many opinions...hence the blog. You can read more about me here. You can also follow me on Twitter so you never miss a post. Hope you enjoy reading!
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