Writing, expressing can heal us. It can focus, support, and enhance our lives and well-being. Whether we laugh or we cry, whether through sorrow or joy, we can understand more about ourselves, and each other, through keeping a journal.

Some Benefits of Keeping a Journal · Reduces stress · Sets goals · Organizes · Helps focus · Can improve well-being · Makes time for you · Creates a personal reminder · Becomes a treasured keepsake

Journaling On a piece of paper, write your answers to question, "Which 3 words best describe how you are feeling right now?"

When you are done writing, you have just journaled.

Writing about whatever is important to you right then and there is journaling. Tracking what you have planted in your garden is journaling. Writing about family holidays together, or coffee with a friend is journaling. There is no set amount of words or pages that constitutes a journal. There can be a set theme or topic in your journal, but there does not have to be. I have written about soup, weather, myself, my friends, and my dreams for future, in my journal. A journal, which is same as a diary, is a place where you choose to store what is important to you.

When to start journaling Any day of any year is a good time to start your journal. The day you feel you want to start recording your experiences and thoughts is perfect day to start - Whether on January 1, November 3, or today. There is no set time of year to begin a journal or to start to journal again.

Some people like idea of starting their journal on January 1. They write their goals and ideas starting at beginning of year. Others like idea of starting very day it occurs to them that they want to write about their lives in a journal. Whatever you choose, it is right way for you, and that is all that matters.

grate.ful adj. 1 a : appreciative of benefits received: syn. thankful

4.19.02 Today I am grateful for ___________________ .

As I write above line, I wonder, "What is my answer?" My first thought is, "I am grateful for today." Then I realize there are so many people, places and things for which I am grateful. Everyday list grows.

Everyday there are things that happen to us, and for us, that make us grateful. Sometimes, we even find, that after passage of time, we become grateful. Take time today, tomorrow, and next day to think about for what or whom you are grateful. Then write it down in your journal. Or maybe send a letter or a card, with dates and experiences to that person.

You can start keeping a journal where you date and write in daily, weekly, or monthly about what you are grateful for, why and circumstances that created gratitude. This becomes a story and record of your feelings and warm experiences of what you have given, and also what you have received.

You can also create individual gratitude journals for your spouse, your children, parents, a friend, etc., that you journal in for a period of time. You can write about them sharing what you are grateful for about them. Get a new journal to use for this purpose only. Pick a colored pen or several colors. You can express your feelings with certain colors, green for a growth memory, blue for peaceful times, you decide what each color means and note that in front of journal. Date each entry and describe events, memories, or thoughts that you have about that person. Describe what they have given you, what you have observed, what you wish for them. Tell them about how grateful you are for them in your life, and why. This becomes a treasured keepsake and a priceless gift.

Telling someone you are grateful for them in your life, for what they have done, for who they are is a very powerful expression of caring and love. Telling a stranger who has given you something, directions, good service, a smile, that you are grateful for what they have done and given you is another form of connection. Spread idea of gratitude. You may see something on TV or read about someone. Send them an email or letter of appreciation for who they are, what they stand for, or for what they have done.

Today I am grateful for ___________________ fill-in this blank with what your are grateful for.

For Example - My self, my children, family, work, future, my recovery, etc.

As I was thinking about what I am grateful for, I of course thought of my many wonderful, dear friends. So, I decided to email and ask what they were grateful for. I asked them if I could also share their responses with you, and here they are…

"Today I am grateful that I get to spend time with my children."

"Today I am thankful for a generous heart that loves to spill over to others...and is constantly replenished by my beautiful family."

"Today I am Grateful for joy of friends. Today I am grateful for light in eyes of my friends. Today I am grateful for roses in my garden. I am so very grateful I met you."