Annette Spurr – The Power of Gratitude Journaling

We can easily lose sight of the good things we have by simply being too busy. Annette Spurr runs her own business at Blue Box Media and is also the Managing Editor at Mum Daily. As a wife and mother Annette has discovered the power of gratitude journaling.

Annette writes,

“I used to really enjoy my quiet time… before kids. I’d pour over my bible, read a daily devotional and have a deeply heartfelt, eloquent prayer time.

Now my ‘quiet time’ is the period between when the boys go to sleep and I collapse into bed. My prayers go something like this: ‘Dear God, thanks that Jack is nearly walking. Actually, I need to get him some new shoes. I wonder if Best & Less is having a sale. I could get Tyson some pants while I’m there. Need to iron my pants. Got to increase my iron intake… Got… to… take… zzzzzzzz.’ Pretty sad, right?

The solution is all about multi-tasking.

I don’t even have time to read the back of a cereal box these days, let alone my bible. No worries. While the boys are watching a Wiggles DVD in the back of the car, I’ve got ‘the message’ on CD, reading the bible to me from cover to cover as I head out to appointments. I think it’s even better than reading it myself.
And prayer time has merged with my Journal time. To help me stay awake and to hold my attention, I’ve started a ‘Gratitude Journal,’ inspired by 365grateful.com

It’s a great way to document my day and keep track of the boys’ development. I write down everything I’m grateful for each day and finish off with my prayer requests. My pledge is to only write positive, happy things in there. I’d love it if my boys discovered it one day and read all the things I’m grateful for about them and my hubby.
It’s also a great way to end my day on a high. If it’s been a particularly rubbish day, I’m forced to think of the silver linings and small blessings that got me through.

The bible talks about t transforming your mind in Romans 12:2 and the powerful effect it will have on your life.
You should try it sometime. You might be surprised at the changes around you.”

Written by – Annette Spurr
Managing Editor- Mum http://mumdaily.com.au/gratitude-journal/

Image: Annette with her husband and children courtesy of Annette Spurr.

What is a Gratitude Journal?

A gratitude journal is like a diary of all the good things to be thankful for.

Why Keep A Gratitude Journal?

1. It can help to lower stress levels.
2. It can help you develop an attitude of gratitude.
3. You can keep track of all the good things in your life to read when you’ve had a bad day.
4. It can help to improve your moods.
5. It can help you see the positive things in your own life.

Huffington Post released an article titled, ‘The benefits of a gratitude journal and instructions on how to maintain one.’ By Lauren Jessen
Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-jessen/gratitude-journal_b_7745854.html