journaling my 365 gratitudes

When I first saw Monika Wright’s gratitude journal, I knew that I wanted to make one for 2011. It would be a wonderful way to remind myself of all the blessings in my life, even when things seemed bleak. You should keep in mind that, except for a cute pink diary complete with lock and key that I had as a little girl, I have never kept a journal. The closest I ever got was reading Note to Self:  On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Samara O’Shea. But Monika made it look easy and inviting. With colorful paper and only tiny spaces to fill, I thought that even I could be successful completing this journal. Here are a few pages from my diary so that you can actually see what I mean.

This is pretty much a lift of Monika’s 2010 cover design. (Why change a good thing?) I used the PTI tab die to separate the months.

A shipping tag and an October Afternoon journal card.

I’ve sprinkled gratitude quotes throughout my journal. Uses October Afternoon label stickers and a My Mind's Eye journal card.

This is my favorite page. I just noticed the paper is upside down. Oops.

Some circles cut with Spellbinders dies and another October Afternoon journal card.

This uses the PTI ticket die. I’ll write directly on the dotted yellow paper.

 

Another shipping tag, this one inked, and a sheet from a Jenni Bowlin Memo Pad.

Although it is only January 25, I am pleased to report that I’ve written an entry for each day thus far, even on the two days that I wasn’t feeling particularly thankful. I wanted to share a page of gratitudes to show how easy it is to keep this journal.

Whether you write them down or not, I hope that you have many blessings in your life and are aware of each one. This poem by Bonnie Jensen, which I printed on vellum and included in my journal, is a sweet reminder of the wonder around us.

BE GRATEFUL

For every breath. For sunshine on your face.

For a child's laughter. For God's grace.

For peace of mind. For joy of heart.

For love. For the gift of life.

For good friends. For sweet memories.

For pink bubblegum. For silliness.

For red shoes. For blue skies.

For the kindness of others.

For family time. For understanding souls.

For kindred spirits. For true forgiveness.

For good music. For dark chocolate.

For a place to call home. For warm hugs.

For quiet time. For the freedom to dream.

For snowflakes on your tongue.

For raindrops on your face.

For colorful sunsets. For animal-shaped clouds.

For a believing spirit. For a forgiven soul.

For inspiration. For sand between your toes.

For smiles. For tears. For mercy. For Jesus.

Thank you, Monika, for giving me the vehicle to be more appreciative.

njm

PS – My favorite page uses Martha Stewart baker’s twine, but I would have used some from The Twinery if I’d had any at that time. (I did use it on my new year’s tag. Their mandarin twine is delicious.) The Twinery has added some new colors and is having a giveaway and sale of 25% off until January 30 to celebrate. It’s worth checking out.