Before falling asleep at night I often think about three things I was grateful for during the day. Can be as simple as watching the birds in the birdbath or having my dog beside me.
Journaling or writing in general can definitely help anxiety, like Davit mentioned. During some of my worst moments writing about what is going on and what I'm thinking and feeling can provide some of my only relief. Try it, if you haven't already!
In terms of a gratitude journal, I've been doing something similar. I purchased a book called "The Happy Book" by Kempster and Leder and it is full of guided exercises to focus you on what makes you happy. On one page it may tell you to write in your favorite recipe or a list of songs that make you happy, and on another it might have you scribble in your favorite color or draw a map of important places that make you happy. It may sound kind of silly, and some of it is, but it definitely gets you focused on positive thoughts. I always feel better after filling out a new page, and even if I don't want to get creative just flipping through the ones I've already done is a great pick-me-up!
I have been journaling for years. It was the first request from my therapist, and being a good writer I wrote. I wrote down all my panic attacks, I wrote what I thought each day. A week later I twiddled my thumbs well she read it. Then instead of patting me on the head and telling me how sorry she was that I was having these panic attacks she showed me how negative my life was. It was all there in black and white. I said I'm not negative, I like life. She threw the papers on her desk and looked right at me and said "Bull". I can still remember it. I thought about it and sure enough I was mimicking all the negative around me. I bet we all do it. So why couldn't I see it. We are conditioned. Journaling brings the good and the bad to the front where we can deal with it. Journaling is your number one tool, it will do more for you than all the thoughts you can have. Journaling reinforces thought. Writing a thought stores it in two places, making it harder to forget. It makes a positive thought twice as strong in burying a negative one. Every one should journal. The bad so you know it is there and the good to bury the bad. Journaling bad thoughts brings them into the open where they can be seen and discarded instead of having them pop up when you don't want them to. Journaling works. But you know that already don't you. I'm really writing this for the people that read our posts but haven't joined yet. The shadow people. The people I would like to see come forward and join us. The people we can help. That is what you and me and all of us are here for, to help.
I've noticed that since I've been writing in my journal, that all of the negative thoughts are quieter and they are becoming more like back ground noise instead of being in the fore front of my mind. I feel more peace and less stress. Of course, I have off days, but I am having more good days than bad. The world we live in is very negative and we are trained to think that way from the beginning. That's why I don't watch the news; it will suck the life out of you and steal your joy. Focusing on the positive, will win over negativity. I've been learning that from Davit and it's really making a difference in my life.
Start a gratitude journal. This tip can help you appreciate the little things in life while developing positive thinking patterns. Focus on the positive things that you have and not the things you do not.
Members, what has been your experience in starting a journal focusing on positive thoughts?
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