Using a Gratitude Diary to Be More Present in Daily Life

5 minutes to acknowledge and appreciate what you have

Gratitude is the acknowledgement of and appreciation for what one has.

It is not a reaction to what one does not have. It is not a response to a lack or loss, but an expression of abundance.

Gratitude can be expressed in words, thoughts, actions, and feelings.

Gratitude can also be expressed by being thankful for what one has received from others or from life in general.

Expressing gratitude releases dopamine and serotonin — mood and happiness-boosting chemicals.

Putting pen to paper or the finger to the keyboard to capture what one is grateful for each day can have a positive effect on the body-mind function; after all, both are connected. Favourable results have been shown with this practice such as enhancing sleep and boosting immunity.

Spending a few minutes each day, or even each week, to sit with what’s good can improve overall well-being.

Here are three things I am grateful for that I hope might bring a smile to your day and inspire you to take a moment, share in the comments — what are you grateful for?

“Momma Cuddles”

Starting and ending the day with my nine- and twelve-year-old boys laying in my arms really keeps things in perspective.

I am thankful to share each day with these loving souls that are safe and confident to express their emotions.

Dancing on the Starting Line

The music played as my nine-year-old took to the start of a cross country race. Meeting another parent they asked, “Is your child the one with the hair?” They asked referring to my son’s “spit ‘do” — shaved on one side, long on the other.

“The spirited one?” they followed up.

I scanned the starting line crowd for my child.

“You mean the one dancing in the centre of the field right now? Yes. That would be him.”

Keeping dancing like no one is watching, kid — you’re making the world a brighter place.

I am thankful to be inspired every day by this spirit human to bring smiles to everyone around him.

Spring

After devastating fall floods and a longer than usual winter, spring is gracing our region. The flowers are blooming, hummingbirds are out and the warm sun is charging my vitamin D stores as I enjoy my daily walk.

I am thankful for my physical ability to walk the trails and take in the sunshine and have the opportunity be present as I admire the flapping of the bird’s wings and the palette of colours decorating the streets during the season.

What are you grateful for?

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