Keeping a Gratitude Journal

Matthew Henry, an author, consciously practiced living in gratitude. More than 250 years ago he wrote these words in his diary after he was robbed of all the money he had in the world:

"First, let me be thankful because I was never robbed before. Second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life. Third, that although they took my all, it was not much. Fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I that did the robbing."

He had trained himself so well to live thankfully that even when something vile happened to him, he chose to find the reasons he had to be grateful.

Now, a point ... we know this because he wrote it in a diary.

I'm not suggesting that we should keep a diary for other people to read two centuries from now, but I do know that there is tremendous value in keep a gratitude journal for ourselves. I've been doing that for years and if I ever feel a little sorry for myself, fifteen minutes of reading old entries cures that very fast.

Grateful Heart

It is simple to start keeping a gratitude journal. Personally, I enjoy having a beautiful blank book to write in. It makes me feel ... well... thankful! You can try to spend a few minutes first thing in the morning or last thing at night listing ten things you have to be grateful for. That's not a rule, just a guideline. Grab the journal whenever you notice something good. You may only write in it occasionally, but every entry will cause you to grow a little. It's good to date your entries so they become memories too.

Once we start to think about it, we can find so many things to appreciate. If we write them down we strengthen and reinforce our sense of wonder and thanks. Even the smallest things are worth mentioning

• shelter from the rain
  
• tasty food, freely available
  
• a cosy bed to curl up in
  
• being able to read
  
• a beautiful sunset or sunrise
  
• laughter
  
• a hot drink when you are cold
  
• people in your life
  
• electric lights
  
• indoor plumbing
  

It's even good to reflect about all the things that aren't wrong. If you've ever broken a toe or had a horrible toothache, you know how wonderful you feel when it doesn't hurt anymore.

Gratitude
Elizabeth Medley

Researchers have discovered is that one of the main sources of happiness is not money, possessions, intelligence, good looks, popularity, climate or health. They found out that the main source of happiness is gratitude! The good news is that we can choose to be grateful. Gratitude comes from within. It's not what's in our hands, what our circumstances are, but what's in our heart. Gratitude is an attitude - an attitude we can choose to live in.

The more we pay attention to and appreciate our blessings, the more we become aware of how many there are. It's like climbing a staircase of happiness - the view from each step is better than the last. That's not to say that we won't have problems along the way, because life is full of problems. But we won't be overwhelmed by them. We will find balance and gladness in spite of what comes our way.

I wish this journey for you. It takes so little time to be thankful, and how great are the benefits.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits!
Psalm 103:2

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