A Gratitude Journal Can Record the Changes in Our Lives

Changes in our lives are rarely dramatic. Consider the example of an aged woman who has kept a journal of her life. Her face is serene and peaceful, though trouble has not passed her by. She seems utterly above the little worries and vexations which torment the average woman and leave lines of care.

A fretful woman asked her one day the secret of her happiness. The beautiful old face shone with joy. "My dear," she said, "I keep a Pleasure Book." "A what?" "A Pleasure Book. Long ago, I learned that there is no day so dark and gloomy that it does not contain some ray of light, and I have made it one business of my life to write down the little things which mean so much to a woman. I have a book marked for every day of every year since I left school. It is but a little thing: the new gown, the chat with a friend, the thoughtfulness of my husband, a flower, a book, a walk in the field, a letter, a concert, or a drive; but it all goes into my Pleasure Book, and, when I am inclined to fret, I read a few pages to see what a happy, blessed woman I am. You may see my treasures if you will."

Slowly the peevish, discontented woman turned over the book her friend brought her, reading a little here and there. One day's entries ran thus: Had a pleasant letter from mother; Saw a beautiful lily in a window; Found the pin I thought I had lost; Saw such a bright, happy girl on the street; and husband brought some roses in the evening. Bits of verse and lines from her daily reading have gone into the Pleasure Book of this world-wise woman, until its pages are a storehouse of truth and beauty.

"Have you found a pleasure for every day?" the fretful woman asked. "For every day," the low voice answered; "I had to make my theory come true, you know." Are you eager to record the subtle changes in your life by keeping a pleasure journal?

John and Patrice Robson offer journaling tools. They feel that journal writing is so powerful because the process captures our thoughts and feelings on paper. They say that when we can see what we are thinking, we can work with our thoughts in new ways. By breaking through our habitual patterns to discover our innate wisdom and creative genius, our lives can be transformed.

The Robsons go on to say that journaling is a potent self-help tool even when used casually; and when we understand how it works and use it by design, its power to heal and expand our abilities grows exponentially.1

Westvon Publishing teaches that journaling does not have to be anything more than your own thoughts, ideas, feelings, hopes, and dreams. They say that journaling will help improve your writing skills as well as help you become more creative with your own ideas. A journal is different than a diary. A journal allows you to explore the world of ideas rather than keeping a day-to-day catalog of your experiences. 2 Our ideas can change our world.

For those that wish to journal on their computer, software is available. There are many themes in journaling such as travel, family, health, and self-development. Joel Osteen now has a Journal available as a complement to his recent book called "Become a Better You - 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day." The words will be precious just the same as if they were written in gold when you record the changes in your life even in something as simple as a notebook.

Works cited: Journalingtools.com *1

Journalinglife.com *2

Submitted by Amelia Johnson

Amelia Johnson, Life Style Mentor and Successful Entrepreneur, is helping many become the next success story. Whether you're looking to create an extra few thousand dollars per month, be an ex-corporate executive, or the next millionaire Mom, Amelia can assist you to create a second stream of income and greater peace of mind. visit : Success