January 25, 2011

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.

14 comments:

Monika Wright | I Love It All said...

Nancy Jane, this is particularly awesome. I love all the bits and pieces and mostly that you journaled on days that were tough. I happened to include some "negative" thoughts in my journal last year, every day can't be roses and sunshine, and I let it reflect that some days. And you're right about that baker's twine from www.thetwinery.com...it's awesome! : D

Kelly said...

oh, this is lovely. i may need to start one on february 1. does it need to start in january?
i will have to check out the twinery...you have sparked my interest.
kelly
ps...thanks for commenting on my blog!

Valerie said...

Love your take on this project Nancy Jane - and wish you success with your new blog. Thanks for your comments on my blog - so glad to find your little place!

SueB said...

what a NICE idea - TFS! and great minds think alike - I recently picked up a sample set from the Twinery and love the stuff!

Stephanie said...

What a wonderful, wonderful idea! Your journal is going to be so fun to look back on at the end of the year. Love the whole thing!

Karin Åkesdotter said...

WOW! This is awesome! Love it and wish I could do somthing like that! Love all the different papers and cool things on it - must be a pleasure to write in!
Karin

B said...

What a fabulous idea - this journal is so colorful and definitely will be lots of fun to look back on!

LittleSurferGirl said...

Oh my! This is fabulous! I love it!

Mona Pendleton said...

What a great mini! Love all the DP and what a wonderful place to store your memories :) TFS

Janelle said...

Love the idea of the gratitude journal, Nancy. Way to go so far -- and good luck as the year goes on. I can't think of many things better than being intentionally grateful! Great poem that you included in your book, too. And thanks for the tip on The Twinery!

jen said...

what a wonderful project...!

Jen Adcock said...

What a wonderful idea. I especially love that it is for you. I can see all the love and care that went into such a great project. Very cool.

Anonymous said...

this is a marvelous project. now I want one! thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Nancy! I love your journal! Your colors and patterns are completely fabulous--totally my style! I, too, was inspired by Monica's 365 journal and had high hopes about getting one done for 2011. Maybe I'll be like Kelly from Canada and start one on February 1! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for leaving the kind words!