On February 9th, 2018, I started writing a daily journal of things that I am thankful for. I guess it’s some sort of late New Year’s resolution. I started the journal because for several weeks I had been feeling stressed and frustrated and I decided to take the time each day to think about something that I was thankful for and write about it in my journal. This has allowed me to make sure I’m deliberately acknowledging one happy thought each day, and also to give me a book full of things that make me feel good to read through when I’m feeling down.
I write about silly things that make me happy and serious things that I want to be sure to recognize. Some days I feel myself smile when I write and some days I have to force myself to come up with something positive before I go to bed. Some of my entries include:
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The goofy-looking teddy bear my friend got me for Valentine’s Day
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The scholarships and grants that allow me to attend school
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Learning to laugh at myself
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Friends who call to check in on me
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The possibility to learn something new every day
I can’t pretend that I’ve been perfect about keeping up with the journal, I already missed two days in a row. When I realized I did, though, I made sure to name three things for the next entry to make up. I hope to fill this book with nothing but things that will make me happy.
I think this is something everyone should consider doing. Even if you don’t fill a journal, taking time daily to be thankful for one thing is a great way to help recognize the good things when times are difficult, but I think writing it down makes the action even more purposeful.