During our recent IAJW Member event, in our Writing Alone Together Circle, our theme was Growing Gratitude.
I find that during these complex times we are living in, it is so important to have practices that can ground and support us to maintain our optimism, well-being and hope. For me, two of these practices are my journaling and gratitude practices.
They can also be combined and we can engage in gratitude journaling.
During our Writing Alone Together Circle, I provided a number of gratitude journaling prompts which included this activity:
Dear Gratitude, (Write a love letter to gratitude itself)
Here is what I wrote in our circle…
From the Pages of My Journal…
Dear Gratitude:
I never want to forget how important you are to me. You’re like the most reliable friend I’ve ever known.
You pick me up when I’m down.
You remind me of all the good in my life, the good in me, the good in others, the good in our world.
You give in countless ways. You are a blessing big and small.
You hold me up, soothe me, remind me of what I’m made of.
Gratitude you are like fresh cut Dalia’s, a snuggly puppy, a cool drink of water…
you bring beauty and love and nourishment into my life, into the world.
Gratitude, YOU are the magnet of miracles.
Each time I remember you, anything is possible!
Thank you, Lynda
It’s Your Turn
There was lots of beautiful and powerful journal writing shared in our circle. I invite you to share your response to this same journaling activity in the comments below. It is a way for us to grow gratitude individually and collectively.
Thank you!
I am grateful for your kindness
Hi Pam, thank you for your thoughtful note :)
Hi Lynda, I’m grateful for your consistent positivity!
Hi Toni, nice to see your note here. Thank you! I hope you are doing well. I will be promoting your wonderful Open Mind journal in our December sale event :)
Grateful and inspired by the blog, the articles and the gifts. Thank you for the “Me” work .
You’re so welcome, Dolly! I like to think that when each of us does our “me” work, WE all become stronger together. Thanks for your note!
I am grateful for your newsletter and the journaling prompts that you share. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Darlene. I’m glad you like them. I will keep them coming your way :)
Hi Dear Gratitude, You are natural to every one except to those who want to specifically deny to avoid sharing. You help in sharing everything, happiness, melancholy, benefits and turmoil etc. Its one thing to share happiness which always multiplies and the sorrow which always gets reduced. You are eternal and the life sustainer. Thanks always to you . Regards
Hi Nivarthi, thank you for sharing your beautiful love letter to gratitude with us!
Dear Gratitude,
In the gales that screech, in the monsoons that bear down, in the moonlight that whispers, in the ocean waves that crescendo then lower sotto vice…you are there.
When life hands out lemons, you are the sweet kiss of honey. When others turn away, you are the firm yet gentle arm around one’ s shoulders. When the heart is wounded, your expert fingers repair and heal.
As one makes the journey through the darkness and the brambles, you are the lantern providing both light and warmth.
An aeternal friend, with unflagging cheer…you are a most welcome daily gift.
R. Sriracha Srirachakat Singh Mehta
So lovely, thank you for sharing Sriracha!
Gratitude you are truly the gift that never stops giving. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
Hi Kathleen, thank you for adding your voice here!
Gratitude helps me fill my heart,soul,and mind with the many blessings that abound in my life.There are so many blessings,a family I love and who love me back,a natural beauty that surrounds my home,my fabric artistry that has introduced me to many wonderful like-minded people who are kind and supportive,and ,most importantly, a faith that sustains me.
Thank you, Deb. Your gratitude contributes to a ripple effect of goodness!
Dear Gratitude – you are the only solution that always works to lighten whatever darkness I find myself in. I am so thankful!
Thanks, Libby!
Dear Gratitude,
You are the surest cure when I’m feeling down. The fastest way out of a rut. When I feel bad, you help me feel better and when I’m feeling better, you make me feel great. You warm my heart, light up my soul, fill me up with goodness so I can share those with others. What a lovely wonderful blessing you are gratitude! I pray to have you with me always. I’m grateful for journaling and other healing tools and methods, I’m grateful for inspiration, creativity, uniqueness, journal prompts, and this healthy loving community ♥️
Hi Kristen, thanks for sharing your beautiful ode to gratitude!