Summary

The article emphasizes the importance and benefits of maintaining a gratitude journal, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The article "Now is the Best Time to Keep a Gratitude Journal" discusses the value of gratitude journaling as a practice to focus on positive aspects of life amidst negativity and uncertainty. It suggests that while the act of journaling can be easily overlooked, it can be adapted to suit individual preferences, such as using voice memos or traditional pen and paper. The author shares personal experiences, including the difficulty of journaling after a personal loss, and underscores that the practice of noting daily gratitudes, even small ones, can significantly improve mental well-being during the pandemic.

Opinions

The author believes that gratitude journaling helps shift focus from negative to positive life experiences.
It is suggested that the method of journaling (voice memo or handwritten) is less important than the act itself.
Keeping the journal accessible, such as on a bedside table, encourages regular use.
The author's personal list of gratitudes includes simple pleasures like coffee and hearing birds sing, indicating that daily joys are worth acknowledging.
The article conveys that gratitude journaling can be particularly beneficial during the COVID-19 crisis to counteract increased stress and anxiety.
The author admits to struggling with journaling after a personal tragedy but found renewed benefit in the practice after watching an inspiring YouTube video.
The article concludes with the author's conviction that actively seeking out "tiny blessings" is always possible and rewarding.

Now is the Best Time to Keep a Gratitude Journal

So why aren’t you doing it?

I’m sure you’ve heard about the benefits of writing down things you are grateful for. How it helps you focus on what you have, what’s going well, and what’s working in your life, steering you away from all the negative things that are undoubtedly happening right now.

But actually taking the time to do it can be something that we easily forget.

Keeping a gratitude journal doesn’t have to be with a notebook and pen. Writing down your list can be more impactful, but you can also just send a voice memo to your phone. That way, you don’t need to go searching for supplies.

If you do like to hand write your list, you can keep your journal on your bedside table, so you don’t forget to write in it.

I like to write in mine in the morning, but the evening is fine as well. Or you can do both.

My current journal asks me to list three things I’m thankful for each day, but I often list more. Here is my list from today:

Coffee

I can hear the birds singing

The sun is out

I get to go on a walk later

My sister just posted a beautiful painting

I have a treasure trove of new Medium stories to read today

I like to use a actual journal so I can go back and read my lists in my handwriting, but saving them on your phone works just as well.

During this time of COVID-19 and sheltering at home, keeping a gratitude journal is even more important than ever.

We are living through a frightening and depressing time. People are more anxious and stressed than ever before. Alcohol consumption has gone up. People are having mental health crises.

Our sons live in different towns, and we didn’t see them for four months.

Two weeks into the Shelter at Home order, we unexpectedly lost our 14-year-old goddaughter.

I did not keep a gratitude journal in the first few weeks after our goddaughter died. I just couldn’t write anything. Sometimes you just can’t. But after watching this YouTube video, I started writing in it again. It hasn’t made my life wonderful, but it has made it better.

Every day I actively search for tiny blessings.

I always find them.