Practising
Practising with a gratitude journal has a profound effect; it can begin to change your life for the better. A journal can help us focus on positive things, such as the cwtch moments or people in our lives. Otherwise, we might take it all for granted and miss out on a lot.
Pen and Paper
Having a beautiful physical journal may well be a good idea. Using pen and paper for a change distracts us from our screens, which most of us spend too much time on. Treat yourself to quality paper and a pen that is a pleasure to use—a fountain pen with your favourite colour ink—sepia, green, red, blue, purple, or black. The colours today are endless.
A fountain pen is more eco-friendly than all those disposable biros we keep losing. The pens are refillable, and the ink comes in glass bottles. If you look after your pen, it will last many decades. I have used fountain pens for as long as I can remember; they are all as good as new.
Pure Pens, based in Newport, South Wales, offers a good selection of fountain pens and an awesome collection of inks.
However, they are not the only company selling fountain pens; many others exist. Visit your nearest outlet, and try the pen out before you buy. Writing nibs vary greatly from fine to broad, and their flexibility and barrow size vary, affecting your handwriting.
Buying your gratitude journal
There are alternatives to paper made from wood, such as materials like sugarcane, hemp, recycled textiles like cotton and even paper made from animal poo :). You wouldn’t know unless you were told. Paper made from stone! It’s made from recycled calcium carbonate, producing a paper stock that’s super smooth and completely waterproof. No trees were harmed in the process 🙂 It uses less water and 60% less power in production than traditional paper. Whatever gratitude journal you buy, ensure it’s from a sustainable source.
Research
Psychologists have found that practising gratitude regularly helps improve our mental well-being. It also teaches us to build resilience towards negative situations. In other words, we are better equipped mentally. We strengthen our relationships, encourage us to be more empathic and altruistic, and reduce our irritation. Gratitude improves our minds as well as our bodies.
Where to start
There is no right or wrong way to write your personal gratitude journal. It is recommended, though, not to practice every day, as it might become a chore or become too mechanical. It is recommended that a maximum of every other day be used at least once a week.
Tips
a) Take a few moments to open your mind before starting. Maybe sit down with a cup of tea.
b) Focus on 3 or 4 things/events – don’t swamp by making long lists.
c) People and events over things in general.
