Writing Gratitude Brings Change

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 2

Writing simple statements of gratitude each day is all you need to experience the well-documented benefits. Positivity, better sleep, less stress, spiritual growth, just to name a few.

I always felt I was a positive person. It never occurred to me to write gratitude, even though I heard others (like Oprah) say everyone should. There was no defining moment that made me start.

I began writing three statements of gratitude last summer, before my last year of teaching. They took four minutes or less to write.

Coming out of a year of virtual/in-person education was challenging. Added to that, I was using a new, almost-activated data-based system and an old, not-yet-deactivated data-based system. Not ideal.

Writing simple expressions of gratitude each day reminded me of the good I had in my life.

I carried that good with me each day. My point of view changed. I started to look for the good, even if it was small. I concentrated on the positives in my control, instead of dwelling on the negatives I couldn't control.

Four minutes of gratitude changed my focus, making all the difference.

Do you write your gratitude?

Outer Banks, North Carolina photo by S.G.S. Abel

7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good. One for each day of the week.

1. A quote that goes with today’s essay. “True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” Leo Tolstoy

2. I’m enjoying Ryan Holiday’s The Daily Stoic. Anyone can read a page (or less) a day. If you know nothing about stoicism as a philosophy or want to reflect on your life, this is a good place to start.

3. I’m grateful for opportunities to volunteer. It’s a win-win activity. You and the people you help benefit.

4. If you follow me on Instagram @tinyteapottales you know I love my daily walk. Even following the same street for a mile, I always find inspiration.

5. Speaking of Instagram, one of my favorite follows is @robinclairefox. Her photography embodies the saying “every picture tells a story”. If you want to know more about where the phrase comes from, read what Word Histories has to say.

6. I’m grateful for my family and friends. You may find this article on the importance of nurturing friendship interesting. Louis Pereira posted it in his newsletter Read Something Great.

7. I’m grateful for a good night’s sleep.

Thank you for reading! Please share your thoughts with me.

Do some good today.