It probably won’t come as a surprise that the month that contains Thanksgiving is also known as National Gratitude Month. It’s a perfect time to reflect and give thanks. Gratitude can be expressed in a multitude of ways. A simple ‘thank you’ of appreciation, by a card sent in the mail, by a phone call, a donation, or a little gift.
Let’s be honest—feeling grateful isn’t always easy, especially when life gets tough, stress piles up, or prices at the grocery store just keep climbing. In those moments when everything feels a bit overwhelming or when I’m simply looking for a way to feel more grounded and present, I turn to my Gratitude Journal to help shift my focus.
How it Works
Every night before bed, I pull out my journal and jot down three things I’m grateful for. Sometimes they’re small and simple—like how comforting my morning tea was, how sweet it felt when my cat curled up beside me, or how warm and cozy my favorite sweater kept me on a chilly evening. Other times, the things I write are deeper, like the joy of reconnecting with an old friend or the everyday luxury of having indoor plumbing. There have definitely been days when it’s hard to think of anything, and that’s okay. I’ve learned it’s perfectly fine to repeat things from one day to the next. On those tougher days, I often find myself grateful just for the sunrise, the breeze on my face, or the comfort of having a bed to sleep in.
The Journal
Your Gratitude Journal doesn’t need to be anything fancy—though it certainly can be if that’s your style! Some people love picking out a special journal with a beautiful cover that speaks to them, while others simply grab whatever paper is handy or type their entries on a computer. One of my friends even writes her gratitude notes in the margins of her daily crossword puzzle book. As for me, I stick with a plain little notebook that does the job perfectly. The key is to choose a method that fits your comfort level, your technology skills, and any vision needs you may have—whatever makes the process feel easy and enjoyable for you.
The Results
After a few days of writing, something magical starts to happen… I find myself looking throughout the day for the things to include in my journal, focusing on the positive. Through this simple process, I begin to train myself to look for the good each day.
In the book “Resilient” by Rick Hanson Ph.D., he writes “Thankfulness is not about minimizing or denying hassles, illness, loss or injustice. It is simply about appreciating what is also true.”
If you decide to try a Gratitude Journal, let us know what you think, and if you or someone you know is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039 today!