Five Ways to Use a Gratitude Journal

Many people believe that journaling is the same as writing in a diary. However, it is very different. I use journaling to lift my spirits and to reset my mindset. At times, I use my journal as a form of praying and gaining clarity. When I write in my gratitude journal, I am not necessarily writing about something that happened to me in detail. I am writing about how I feel in that moment, ways I intentionally plan to move thru something, or how I envision my life to be. Like a diary, journaling is very personal. Even if the only sentence on the page is "I am grateful", I know that there's depth and meaning in it.

If you do not know quite where to start your gratitude journal, below are five easy ways to begin today:

1. Write down three things every day that you are thankful for. Not only will this help you to appreciate the small moments of joy in life, but it will also provide you with a positive outlook to start your day.

2. Use your journal to reflect on the positive moments of your life. Reflecting on happy memories can help to boost your mood and remind you of the good things in your life.

3. Write down your goals and dreams and keep track of your progress. Having a gratitude journal can help to keep you motivated and focused on achieving your goals.

4. Document your growth and accomplishments. Celebrate the successes in your life and use your gratitude journal as a reminder of how far you have come.

5. Use your journal to practice mindfulness. Write down your thoughts and feelings without judgement and take time to appreciate the present moment.

Try one of my journals, which are available on Amazon:

1. "My Spirit Holds My Gifts: Gratitude Journal for Black Women". Each page has a gratitude statement prompt.

2. "Six-Week Prayer Journal for Women: Baring My Soul Creations". Each week has a focused them and Bible scriptures.

3. "Blessed and Unbothered 30-Day Gratitude Journal with Coloring Book Pages: For African American Women". This journal begins with a love letter to yourself.

4. "Thankful and Blessed Gratitude Journal for Black Women: Gratitude is the Best Attitude!" This journal is perfect for Black women focused on their personal and spiritual growth.

5. "There's Joy in the Morning: Self-Care Tracker & Journal" This journal allows you to track your self-care activities and write your affirmations and self reflections.

6. You may also try my blank notebook: "Positioned for Greatness: 120 Page Lined Writing Notebook for African American Women".

Click Here for My Journals, Planners, and Coloring Books on Amazon

Click Here for My Digital Journal Covers on Etsy

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A Meaningful Life

A new year has sashayed her way into time, holding some of her baggage from last year. And, as much as we try to state our new year's resolutions or vision board goals, the less we become convinced as the days go on. Now, I know what you're saying..."Girl, don't come over here trying to rain on my parade!" Lol...I swear to you, I am not. What I am simply trying to say is that life doesn't just reset when the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Day. Life resets when you have made up your mind that you WANT to have a meaningful life. A life with realistic goals and supportive people around you. A life that bares some of the weight of people who need your help. Because a meaningful life consists of reciprocity. One that consists of consistent exchange of encouraging words and gentility. This year, I want to make sure that my life has meaning, not only for myself, but for anyone I'm connected to. I want my life to be filled with hope, love, and understanding. I may not be exactly where I want to be right now, but by God's Grace, I will keep pushing for what I desire!

Lose to Win

When I first heard Fantasia's song, "Lose to win", I didn't know what to make of it. I had to listen to the words several times in order for the lyrics to truly sink in. She used words like, "ugly", "sick", and "scared". Of course, Fantasia was singing about finding herself after being in a dark place. You know, when a creative's art imitates life, it shows up in her music, poetry, novels, dance, movement, and spirit. And sometimes she has to give up everything in order to regain her peace of mind.

Now, those who truly know me, know that I have struggled with low self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-love. Today, I may seem all buttoned-up, but it took me a moment to get here...and it takes daily work to stay here...HERE, in a state of mental clarity...HERE, where I am the number one priority...HERE, where I keep the life vest for myself! You see, there was a time when I actually agreed with the same people who tried to plant seeds of doubt in my mind. I laughed at hurtful jokes that were at my expense and I allowed people to treat me as if I wasn't worthy of my blessings. But this way of being almost cost me my life. I started to have panic attacks at work, total meltdowns on phone calls with my friends, and weekend binges with my favorite bottles of wine. I was spiraling out of control and doing things that were totally out of my character. But, when I adapted the attitude of "losing to win", I finally found my strength and tenacity to be the woman I was born to be.

Now, I am not saying that I got it all together now nor am I saying that self-doubt doesn't still creep up. What I am saying is that "winning" at anything is a personal commitment. I am different now because I am committed to living my life unapologetically. I am indifferent to losing things and people that aren't good for me. I guess you can say that I am "Grown- Grown" (lol) and I am now willing to lose to win a meaningful life.