Seasons of Love

“The heart may freeze, or it can burn. The pain will ease, and I can learn. There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as, my last.” -Johnathan Larson, Rent

Winter is a challenging time for me. As the frigid snow begins to fall, I await the happiness to sprout from the ground among spring’s dazzling flowers. Therefore, as we approach the cold winter season, I was inspired to target this personal challenge assignment to looking on the brighter side of life.

The challenge I adopted over the past thirty days was gratitude journaling. The purpose of this blog post is to share why I chose this particular challenge, to reflect on my experience, and to disclose my realizations after the fact.

Behind the Change

I have heard about the concept of gratitude journaling on multiple occasions and have always been interested in the potential benefits. However, I have never taken the steps to actually implement one due to my fast-paced lifestyle. Given this assignment, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to finally make a commitment to note my thankful thoughts.

Gratitude journaling is a simple and effective way to shift your focus towards the positive aspects of life in order to improve your happiness. It is an exercise in which participants are willing to recognize and count their daily blessings by recording a running list of things for which they are grateful for. In creating this list, participants make a conscious effort to savor all the beauty in their daily lives.

Click here for a video outlining Oprah’s journey with gratitude journaling.

Thinking Thankful Thoughts

Before beginning this challenge, I went to Indigo and bought “The Five-Minute Journal”. I knew that in order to be successful in journaling consistently for 30 days that I needed a book with writing cues. This resource is designed for people that struggle with journaling. It’s quick, easy to follow design eliminates any life excuses that could take precedence.

The journal prompted me to establish a positive pattern of thinking as soon as I woke up and was also the last thing I did before bed. It became a part of my morning routine in order to set the tone for the day, giving me an opportunity to grow and experience life to the fullest. In addition, nightly reflections allowed me to go to bed with a renewed sense of the day.

Here are some of my entries over the course of my 30-day challenge:

1. My networking event had a good turnout today.
2. I connected with an old friend I haven’t spoken to in a while.
3. I figured out how to make gluten free scones!
4. My mom came to visit and had a sleepover.

The journal also required me to make a daily affirmation. This is a simple statement
defining what you want in life. Affirmations are a powerful tool that gradually lead to positive changes from within.

 

Click here for examples of daily affirmations that you can start implementing in your own life.

My Experience

Following a month of self-reflection, I can definitely say that my mood has improved. It was good timing to begin this journey in the midst of midterm season. By focusing on the positive aspects of my life as well as setting daily affirmations, I was able to avoid getting stuck in a negative mindset. By allowing myself to feel gratitude in the present moment, I felt less tired, more engaged and motivated.

I had a few tough days during my month of keeping a gratitude journal. However, I was always committed to writing something down. At times, there was a need for me to create things to be grateful for. Rather than relive the obstacles I faced, I tried to do something that added positivity to my day. Whether that was calling my family, cooking something delicious, or going out with friends. As a result, I found value in the ups and downs of life and my days became more joyful.

So, what’s next?

It is my goal to continue recording my thankful thoughts. After my experience over the past thirty days, I believe in the power of gratitude journaling. Life is so busy that it is important to take time to be in the present moment. I think everyone could benefit from reflecting and creating positive moments. Taking five minutes to journal is such a small commitment considering it’s lasting, powerful impact.

I have realized that it is human nature to focus and put energy on stressful moments. However, forcing myself to find the good in life has helped me keep those hard moments in perspective. After all, “every day may not be good…but there’s something good in every day”. ― Alice Morse Earle

Reflecting on the initial quote, challenges allow us to learn and grow. It is important that we take these risks and step outside of our comfort zone, living every moment to the fullest. I will definitely keep this in mind as I continue to embark through life. I am thankful for this assignment as I know that I will use it as a reminder going forward that I can persevere. Now, I am prepared to tackle winter with a renewed sense of passion, peace and joy for life.

Through all kinds of weather be mindful, be present, be you, because this is me.

Photo Credits

1. https://pixabay.com/en/schilthorn-mountain-station-3033448/
2. https://pixabay.com/en/adult-diary-journal-notebook-book-1850177/
3. My Own
4. https://pixabay.com/en/thankful-thanks-grateful-thank-you-1081614/
5. https://pixabay.com/en/affirmations-appreciations-441457/
6. https://pixabay.com/en/feedback-review-gut-bad-3677258/
7. https://pixabay.com/en/thank-you-thanks-card-message-note-515514/
8. https://pixabay.com/en/gratitude-grateful-prayer-thanks-1251137/