Q AND A ABOUT GRATITUDE

By Lael Johnson

Q. Why should I journal about gratitude?
A:  It's important to cultivate a wider view of life, especially when you go through tough times.  After I've finished my complaining about a situation, I am able to relax and see other possibilities in the situation.  I couldn't see those possibilities before I faced those strong feelings.  Writing about your gratitude is like a positive form of venting.  For those of your who practice any type of spiritual discipline, you know how important it is to build up your discipline over time.

Q: Why should I journal at all?
A: Action is important, when it comes to journal writing. What would happen to my teeth, if I didn't feel like brushing them in the morning? What would happen if I didn't feel like going to work today?

Q:  What other ways can I journal about gratitude besides free writing?
A:  Here a list writing suggestions:
(a)  Write of list of reasons.
(b)  Write a list of objects.
(c)  Write a list of people.
(d)  Write a list of institutions.
(e)  Write a short or long prayer.
(f)  Write a set of lyrics (add music later)
(g)  Write a short or long poem.
(h)  Describe one of today's successes.
(i)  Describe one character trait you demonstrated today.
(j)  Sing a song to yourself or to someone else.
(k) Describe one success.
(l)  Write a short or long unsent letter
(m) Write a short or long dialogue
(n)  Create visual entries

NOTE:  No artistic skills are required.  If you are an artist may your journal entries become even more expressive than previous ones!!
(A)  Collages (any type of material including stickers, cut-out pictures, words or phrases, special stationery papers, string, yarn, rubber stamps, feathers or any combination of elements, etc.)
(B)  Rubberstamping
(C)  Color pens and pencils
(D)  Crayons
(E)  Color markers
(F)  Pastel crayons

Q:  I'm a beginning journaler.   With so many resources available where should I start?
A:  Congratulations on starting your journal.
You have taken a very courageous step. I would suggest that you start with the phrase: "Thank you for_____". Fill in the blank.  If you are talking to God or someone else, you may also want to insert the name of that person in your sentence, e.g. "Thank You Lord for____."

Q:  Should I let someone read my gratitude journal?
A:  This is your choice. It's important that you find the best person to hear your entries. Someone you can trust to both listen and give feedback, if you ask for it.   When I share my lists with my friend, my mood often lifts, followed shorty by a broader perspective. It's a your choice.
I hope that these basic questions and answers have provided you with a more practical view of journaling about gratitude.   Keep on writing! 

Lael Johnson, owner of Writer's Eye Advisory Service, offers creativity coaching services and additional writing resources. This article may be reprinted as long as the text is unchanged, the resource box is included  and the author is notified placing the title of the article in the subject line.(c) 2005, Lael Johnson Writer's Eye Advisory Service. All rights reserved.