COMPASSION

Affirmation of life is the spiritual act by which man ceases to live thoughtlessly and begins to devote himself to his life
with reverence in order to give it true value.
— Albert Schweitzer

9/03/2010

Gratitude Journal Writing

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/691955/gratitude_a_daily_journal_from_jack.html?singlepage=true&cat=72


Gratitude: A Daily Journal from Jack Canfield and D.D. Watkins - More Than a Diary
Jack Canfield & D.D. Watkins Want You to Express Your Gratitude!
By Blake Alexander - Author, Motivator, Musician, Man

Takeaways

A journal to get you into the Attitude of Gratitude
A Review of Jack Canfield's Gratitude Journal
The idea behind the importance of gratitude
Your mother always told you to be grateful for the things you have in your life, for there are people in the world who live without such pleasures. She may not have worded it so eloquently, however. It's something we've all grown up being told. It's something we also see and hear on TV all the time. Stories of heroism and survival undoubtedly have the main character talk about living each day for the moment since the 'incident' - that he or she will never take anything for granted, and will always feel grateful to be alive. What an incredibly simple and uplifting thing to do. But how can something so easy create such a change in someone?
Since God only knows when, people have been saying such Hallmark catchphrases like, "it's always darkest before the dawn" and "you can't go up, til you hit rock bottom." The basic idea is that appreciation for one's life, and the bare essentials in it, sometimes arrives only when we're in our darkest hour, or threatened with losing the game of life altogether. After a near-death experience, people often recount details that most of us would never notice. They express such unadulterated appreciation for the second chance they've been given, and take nothing for granted. They are leading amazing lives.
The gratitude journal is a wonderful way to open your eyes to the overwhelming abundance in your life. You get to appreciate the world and truly feel grateful to be alive, without having to experience a near-death event. Now that's a win-win situation. The journal itself is very simple, but it's the little details that make it work so flawlessly. Everyday, write at least five things that you're truly grateful for in your life. Each day will be a little different from the previous, and as you work through the days and weeks, you'll notice the things you are grateful for are changing. Small, once overlooked details of your day are now significant and thanked.
Jack Canfield, author of the world renowned "Chicken Soup for The Soul" books, partnered with D.D. Watkins to create another masterpiece. This particular title, however, is for the reader to write. Each page is divided into sections for every day of the week, and includes a positive message to get your wheels turning the right direction. Each month begins with a message of inspiration and reflection on the importance of gratitude. There are also certain details that make this journal better than others.
The "Secret Gratitude Journal' comes with a beautiful parchment-style envelope and cover, but is a larger book in size, making it hard to take with you. Canfield's journal is basically 5 1/2" by 8 1/2", so it can easily fit into almost anything for 'on-the-fly gratitude'. You never know when you'll be at Starbucks and enjoying your Caramel Macchiatto so much, you just have to write about it.
Making your own gratitude journal is a fantastic idea, but unless I'm feeling really motivated, the only thing I will be grateful for is completing the assembly. Anyone can take a notebook and write what they're grateful for in it, but what makes it special? It's still just a notebook. Canfield's journal has an amazing foreword, and poetry - simple touches to add style. The affirmations on each page are a mystery until you get to that week in the year, which earns it points because I, for one, love a little surprise. I take pride in my journal.
Whatever you choose to do - whether you're making your own, or purchasing one, a gratitude journal is a phenomenal catalyst to happiness. Learning to appreciate the little things is just enough to get you moving forward sometimes. There's a quote on the back cover that really sums up the entire message behind the journal itself. Canfield writes, "You will start to become increasingly aware of the miracles around you, and the events in your life will begin to unfold in what seems like magical and mysterious ways." If you do choose to purchase one, and I highly recommend that route - they're very inexpensive. In following the message above, I am grateful for you reading this right now. I hope you find that having the attitude of gratitude grants you limitless possibilities, just as it has for me.
Gratitude: A Daily Journal - by Jack Canfield and D.D. Watkins
Purchase This Journal From Amazon - Only $12 or less!
More resources

http://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Daily-Journal-D-Watkins/dp/0757307108/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207188881&sr=8-4

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