This post was updated on 27/02/23
Something I’ve really got into this year, is writing a gratitude list. Gratitude and self-care go together like avocado and toast! Being grateful can help ward off feelings of negativity, self-doubt and pessimism.
In Arianna Huffington’s book Thrive: “According to a study by researchers from the University of Minnesota and the University of Florida, having participants write down a list of positive events at the close of a day — and why the events made them happy — lowered their self-reported stress levels and gave them a greater sense of calm at night.”
Generally I write a gratitude list when I feel I need a boost. However recently I kept a gratitude journal for a week, to see what difference it made. I wrote in my Inspire Now Journal every day and I’ve included the details below. You’ll see that I noted down the simple, every day things that made me smile or feel thankful, as I went through my day.
So here’s the result of my week of gratitude
Monday
Enjoyed the tasty coffee that helped me wake up. I enjoy this part of my morning routine; I drink my coffee whilst I read and set my goals for the day. It feels good to have finished the Planathon. (An online planning workshop with 1000s of other entrepreneurs.). I have a sense achievement from setting my goals for November and December, including what books I’m going to read. Being able to enjoy an early night with my book.
Tuesday
It was a wonderful feeling to cancel my alarm and waking up naturally. Starting a new book, Becoming by Michelle Obama. What an inspiring woman! The lovely clean water I sipped on as I worked. The really useful masterclass by Amber McCue. The ability to work from home in my PJs. How good Harvey was during the fireworks, some of them even made me jump!
Wednesday
How quickly I was able to calm down when I felt myself getting frazzled. I am so grateful for the breathing techniques I’ve learnt. To be able to take time out when I needed to. How calm and patient Harvey was, when I needed to rest on the sofa.
Thursday
My breakfast bagel and time to read my book, without any other distractions and for as long as I wanted. The lovely new jumper from Tesco and the yummy fragrant candle that smells good enough to eat! I am grateful that I cooked my own dinner. I had the energy and the inclination. I really enjoyed the experience and sense of achievement as well as how delicious the Gousto meal was. I am also grateful that I had the energy to clean up after dinner too.
Friday
I am so grateful that I could wake up naturally, when my body had had enough sleep. Prioritising my own day in the way that suits me. I am relieved and thankful that Harvey was well behaved and enjoyed it at the home boarders. It was also amazing to find out that one her dogs is Harvey’s half-sister! Created, finalised and sent off a guest blog post that is due in December. It felt so good to get ahead with it.
Saturday
Cuddles with Harvey first thing. He is all sleepy and snuggly it’s so lovely. I had a lovely chat with a good friend. She helped me realise I’m not alone in the way I’m feeling about something. It’s so good to talk and know you have good friends. They are priceless and I am forever grateful for their love and support. I am so grateful that my husband arrived home from his work trip and that we got to spend an evening together. I am really happy that I got my domestic goddess on and cleaned and tidied the bedroom and changed the sheets. Getting into a bed with clean sheets is the best.
Sunday
I am very grateful for the amazing chat I had with my husband. I had a lovely brunch at a new café bar in town. I am grateful to be part of the Remembrance Sunday service in my town. Not forgetting how grateful I am for the service men and women who fought for our country. I am also thankful for the comforting, warm dinner with a lovely glass of wine. I am grateful for the giggles with my husband and the lovely catch up we had.
Perhaps you might want to try keeping a gratitude for a week and see if it boosts your positive mindset. I’d love to hear how you get on. Email me at tina@simply-shine.co.uk
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