“If the sun shines in your soul, does it matter if it rains outside? Happiness within overlooks any sadness the outside world may bring.”
A week before the provincial and city lockdown, I (re)started my Gratitude Journal. The challenge was to list 10 things I am grateful for everyday for 30 days (inspired by Rhonda Byrne’s book, The Magic). Cliché it may sound, but I felt it was the best time to reflect and ponder on things I have taken for granted while being quarantined and staying at home.
I am not posting in detail my gratitude list, but I am writing down general themes I used as a guide . For a few of them (like Friends, Family), I created more than 2 even 3 lists as I specified names. For me, a gratitude journal is best if we go specific and truly be thankful for each of the things/people on our list.
- Family – parents, siblings, in-laws
- Work Related – location, the job itself, co-workers
- Friends
- Relationships – search old, even failed relationships. Not necessarily with family or close friends, somehow there are blessings that can be found in those forgotten connections.
- Money – all money received be it salary, gifts, winnings
- Health – parts of the body, each of them have functions we are grateful for
- Technology
- Places I have lived
- Places I have visited
- Jobs I had / Employment
- Services I use
- Around the home – favorite corner, couch, sound system
- Things that bring you joy – books
- Talents
- Favorite churches
- Favorite Trails/Gardens
- Favorite songs/singers
- Random people who serve – garbage men, truck drivers
- Luxury you enjoy
- Favorite food/restaurants
- Things That Make You Smile – FB, Netflix, hubby’s corny jokes
- Your Health Care Support
The list is not exhaustive and more can definitely be added. Coming up with 10 items for each theme takes some thinking and lots of creativity, but completing the list was very fulfilling.
I completed my 30 day Gratitude Journal and I continued with my Daily Gratitude list, writing down at least 4 items I am thankful for everyday.
“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.”
