The last two years have been filled with some of the hardest trials Scott and I have ever gone through. And in that time I have felt anxiety, depression, and so many other feelings. But I have been able to get through it. And one of the things that has helped me–besides an amazing husband and miracle baby–is gratitude.
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Gratitude Journaling
I started a gratitude journal as a teenager, when I was given a journal for that very specific reason at a church activity. At this time, my gratitude entries were simple: I am thankful for sleep, food, a good day at school, my sisters, my family, my bed. I would write about three things every night before I went to sleep.
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I didn’t think much about the benefits until years later. I knew there must be spiritual benefits, but a teacher in a health class in college talked about the mental benefits of gratitude.
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Since college my gratitude journal practice has been sporadic. That is until a couple years ago when I purchased a “Start Today” journal from the Hollis Company. These journals are all about manifesting your dreams and setting and seeing yourself accomplish goals. Each day you write down five things you are grateful for and ten manifestations.
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I was dedicated to this journal and found joy in writing each day. Once I filled the book, I kept at the practice, modifying it a bit to fit my own ideas and spiritual and mental needs.
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The practice grew a couple years ago when I read The Secret and The Magic by Rhonda Byrne. These books add to the practice with adding a “why” to each entry.
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Needless to say, my gratitude practice has grown, and I’ve loved how it has affected my attitude, especially in hard times.
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What Is Gratitude?
Gratitude is simply expressing thankfulness for something you possess, experience, or see. It is recognizing you have abundance in your life–not necessarily money; although, that could be a great blessing in your life to be thankful for. It’s recognizing anything and all that you have. Examples are as simple as:n
I am thankful for the sun because it shines through my window and brightens up my kitchen.
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I am thankful for my car because it runs well and gets me where I need to go.
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I am thankful for my husband because he loves me and makes me feel good.
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I am thankful for the good night’s rest I had because I have energy today.
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I am thankful for the vacation I went on with my family because we made amazing memories together that I will cherish forever.
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Gratitude is also giving credit to the Divine/God for all that you have. He blesses us with so much. Yes, we go through trials because we are have a mortal experience. But he cares about us deeply and places opportunities and miracles in our paths daily. Do we recognize them?
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And I believe that gratitude connects us to the universe. Gratitude helps put you on a higher vibration that allows you better manifest.
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Why Gratitude Works or Helps You
As I mentioned above, I learned about the mental benefits of health in college. I would add that it is healing to mind, body, and spirit. They are all connected. And when you focus on one, the other cannot help but be affected in some way.
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Gratitude instills positivity, which helps you have more energy. And, as I also mentioned, it helps connect you to God.
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And it’s contagious. As you practice gratitude and experience positive thoughts from each entry, you invite more positive thoughts.
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As I’ve been going through this crazy time of trials, gratitude has helped me overcome anxiety and depression. It’s helped me see the miracles. It’s helped me see God in the details.
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Gratitude and Yoga Workshop
Practicing gratitude has been such a blessing in my life that I want to share more with you. This Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m. ET I am hosting a Gratitude and Yoga Workshop.
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I would love for you to join me where I’ll show you how to start a daily gratitude practice, how to find gratitude in tough times, and how to use gratitude as a manifestation tool.
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Our yoga practice will focus on centering, grounding, and opening the heart to feel all that we have to be grateful for.
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Register here and use code THANKS for 75% off. I hope to see you there!
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(Note: These statements are not intended to replace doctors or mental health professionals. I’m just sharing my experience.)