The ability to read is truly magical. It makes it possible to communicate with one another and it opens us up to new ideas and fresh perspectives. My son has just taken a big jump in his ability to read and last time we went to San Francisco he spent the whole car ride happily reading out loud all the signs we passed. It was as if the places we passed were now disclosing secrets he had never imagined before. Sure, you can see it’s a gas station, but did you know that you get a free cup of coffee if you fill up there? A plain building on a corner sparks new interest when you can read the words “Youth Center” over the door and begin to wonder about the lives of the kids who hang out there. Words open your mind to new worlds and shift your energy. So why not put word power to work for you instead of against you?
What will your book of happy look like?
In this post I’m going to share how to make a simple journal with short, sweet entries that even the busiest people have time to do. Once you have a few entries done you will have created a powerful tool for combating worry, concern, and fatigue. Just reading what you’ve come up with will leave you with a much more positive mindset.
Start by getting a small notebook to keep your entries in. Some people, (like me), are really picky about the design and color of the notebook, but don’t let the lack of a perfect notebook stop you from getting started. I also encourage you to pick a friend or friends to do this with and read your answers out loud to each other. Speaking the words aloud gives them more power and it’s always inspiring to hear what other people have come up with. As a coach I find that people who have done this exercise really enjoy the process of sharing their answers even if they dread it beforehand.
You can answer more than one of these questions at a time or work at a slower pace. Of course, you can also add other positive entries to your journal, but here are some basic ideas to get you started:
1) What makes your heart sing? Try to come up with a minimum of 5 things.
2) What are a few of your favorite quotes, poems or song lyrics?
3) Write the names of each of the people in your life you see the most often. Include family, friends, and co-workers. Then write three things you appreciate about each of them.
4) Write down one thing you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of.
5) Write down at least one thing you’re grateful for this week.
6) What’s the best vacation spot you’ve been to and why did you love it? Or where would you like to visit?
7) What are three things you appreciate about yourself? (This one might feel hard, but it’s important to acknowledge yourself.)
8 ) What is your favorite activity with your best friend, partner, or children?
9) What is one thing you do for yourself?
Pick up your journal anytime and instantly reconnect with the good things in your life!
[This article was originally published in the March issue of the Nurturer's News parenting newsletter.]
i have a 102 yr old friend on twitter (grandma florence) who’s kept a diary like this for her whole life. she’s such a hoot – i know you would love her short, sweet journal entries about her every day life and opinions.