Believe What They Say About Gratitude

Gratitude changes you and your focus on the world.

Way too late in life, I took action on advice that probably first came from Oprah.

Of course, she didn’t give it to me personally. Oprah is not the only person to give this advice. For years Oprah and others espoused the benefits of keeping a gratitude journal.

I didn’t have time to journal gratitude. Besides, I appreciate what I have in life. I’m a naturally positive person. Who needs to write gratitude?

One day two years ago, I was listening to my favorite podcast.

Comedians Francis Ellis and Guilio Gallarotte are the hosts of “OOPS the Podcast”. They typically talk about everyday events from a comedian’s point of view. I find many of the discussions insightful, as well as entertaining.

In one episode, Ellis describes a gratitude journal he uses. If you listen to enough episodes, you quickly learn Ellis has anxieties like many of us. He worries about finances, relationships, health.

The journal he described has three brief statements to complete each day. Write two statements of gratitude. Write one statement telling how to make the day great.

His evaluation of the daily exercise of writing gratitude? It was making a difference in his life.

It makes sense hearing about gratitude from Ellis inspired me to try a gratitude journal.

It’s often easier to learn from someone one step ahead, with similar concerns, than those who are accomplished and successful (like Oprah).

That day, my whole life changed.

The idea of a quick, easy format appealed to me.

My previous vision of journaling anything meant investing time to sit and think. To dig deep and write about emotions. I would need to reflect.

Ellis’s approach sounded nothing like that.

I already kept a Bullet Journal to help keep track of work tasks to be completed. I had already developed…

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