Appreciation Journals

     I have teenagers.  There are days when I'd like to jump out the window to get away from all the hormonal drama.  Dealing with their ever changing moods is like trying to deal with the weather.  I wish there was a minute-by-minute emotional forecast so that I knew how to prepare for interactions with them.

     And then I have my own moods.  During this time of year, I find it difficult to maintain a happy spirit.  I blame it on the seasonal changes and weather.  It gets dark so early in the day and many days are lacking sunshine, which makes things gloomy.  I feel better when I get outside for a while, but it can be rainy, or so miserably cold that I'll go right back inside.

By February, I've got a serious case of cabin fever and I'm a total grouch.

     Recently, a friend shared with me something that has helped her to keep a more positive outlook on life.  It was an appreciation journal.  In her journal she keeps track of things that happen every day that she enjoys and appreciates and she kindly shared her instructions with me.  Some might also call it a gratitude journal.

     Since my teenagers can be so moody and complain a lot, I decided that we should start appreciation journals together.  We invited another teenage friend to journal along with us.  She was hesitant at first, but now she's talking about the plans she has for making specific pages in her book.  She and my daughter spent the weekend working on their journals together.

     If you like the idea, it all starts by keeping a simple list.  You can keep your journal anywhere:  on a piece of paper, on a computer, or in a small notebook.  I like to write by hand, so this is what I bought for my own use:

Nowadays, you can find journals just about anywhere, even at the dollar stores.  So, pick your forum and let's begin!

Instructions:

1. At the end of each day, write three (3) things that you appreciated that day.  They can be short one-liners, a whole paragraph, or several pages if you really like to write.
2. Never write the same thing twice.
3. Before writing today's list, reread some of your previous entries and think about those things.
4. Share with others what you appreciate.  That way, instead of complaining, you have something positive to talk about.  
5. When you pray to God, tell him what's on your list and express your gratitude for the good things of today.
6. Keep this journal by your bed to help you think positive thoughts before going to sleep.  
7. When your book is full, go get a new one.

     That's all there is to it.  Basically, you're just going to keep a running list of things that will remind you that life is good.

     I'm looking forward to filling my journal with good things and I'll share some of those things in future posts.  In the meantime, I hope you have an appreciative day!