Keeping a gratitude journal year-round is a positive habit to adopt, but around the holidays it becomes particularly meaningful.
We can sometimes lose sight of the blessings in our lives when we get caught up in shopping lists, gift exchanges and other holiday stresses, and it is helpful to take time to give thanks for the people and things most important to us through therapeutic writing.
Take a break from the holiday madness to treat yourself to a little Thanksgiving journal therapy. You can even share this journaling idea with others by reading your list with your partner, friends or family on Thanksgiving and inviting others to do the same.
Give Thanks
1. This past year, with the recession and abundant layoffs and other financial challenges, has been a tough one for many people. You may have experienced some of these problems firsthand or have faced other obstacles in your personal life, and it can be difficult at first to get in the Thanksgiving spirit. Start by creating a relaxing environment for journal therapy: find a quiet place away from reminders of stresses in your life. Light a few scented candles, put on low music and just sit for a few minutes to calm your thoughts.
2. Open your journal to a blank page and think about everything that has happened in your life since last Thanksgiving. What has changed? What has remained constant? What has been most challenging? What has been most rewarding? Write down the most significant highlights from the past year. From this list, what are you most thankful for?
3. On the opposite page of your journal, write all of the blessings you want to give thanks for this year. Separate the list into categories (people, events, places, things, etc.) or just write whatever comes to mind first. There are no real rules to therapeutic writing—simply write until you run out of items to add. For example:
I am thankful for…
• My improving health
• My supportive partners
• My growing business
• Wendy's toffee coffee twisted frosty
• Fruits, vegetables and natural foods
• Breathing the ocean air all year round
• My singing
• My journal
4. If you feel extra inspired, add drawings, photographs or pictures cut from magazines as a visual reminder of your gratitude.
What are you most thankful for this year? Share your experience with this journal therapy exercise in the comments section.
Need some help with getting grateful and creating happy holidays? Maybe this Journaling for a Stress Free Holiday package will be the perfect gift.
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