Wednesday, July 13, 2005

My Gratitude Journal

Many years ago a dear friend of mine created a journal with these words on the front "Megastein's Gratitude Journal". It was a place for me to put 3 things down each day that I was thankful for, 3 small blessings that were uniquely mine. Reminders of why my life was worth living, why I was important to the universe, or even just silly thoughts that made me smile and redeemed some truly bleech occassions. Looking back on that journal and thinking of it resting neglected in my bedside drawers reminds me of the good feelings I had at the end of each day picking and choosing the special things to write in it.

Somedays were overflowing with wonderful news of people, places, events, and happenings for which I was grateful:
1. Balloons
2. Not getting a speeding ticket.
3. Being helped by the extra smart, fast, and helpful clerk at Barnes and Noble who knows me!

Other days I had to work to remember what I could be thankful:
1. Being loved.
2. Having a roof over my head and food to eat.
3. My friends who never give up on me.

No matter whether wanted it or not, that journal gave me perspective on life and it gave me good thoughts to go to sleep with. For many years I was an angry, negative person who had trouble focusing on the glass being anything but smashed under foot. The Gratitude Journal was a great tool to get me to see that my cup runs over with love, caring, and blessings too many to be counted.

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