Today I am thankful for having the courage just over 12 months ago to take steps to improve my extremely poor mental health. I had never been so low in my life and really wondered what life was all about.
Yet, on the third of May last year I decided to write my first gratitude journal post here at 365. By making it online, I could not run from it. I had to really dig deep - as I did not want you all reading the same three things over again and I didn't wish to be shallow in my moments of gratitude.
I was pushed outside my comfort zone and in my mind, I was accountable to you all to follow through with the public decision I had voiced. It was a huge turning point in my life and one that I am so grateful that I followed through with.
They say that by finding three things you are grateful for each day we have the opportunity to rewire the brain to focus on the positive, making us more resilient and happy.
Over the last twelve months my gratitude journal has changed slightly and I do not necessarily state three things I am grateful for, but I am mindful each day in gratitude, and thankful for all that I have.
The rewiring of the brain and ability to focus on the positive, I believe has been achieved. I am definitely more resilient and happy. Life still has its ups, downs, and tragedies. However, my ability to cope with them now allows me to sway in soft rhythm and beat, rather than experience forceful convulsions and fall overboard.
The positive impact on my mental health is astounding. So if you ever thought about maybe starting a gratitude journal, I can't recommend it high enough.
For me it has been life changing and I wish to thank you all for joining in and supporting me on my journey and whether or not you knew it, helping me to stick to my gratitude journal.
I am forever grateful to each and everyone of you for the progress you have supported me in achieving, for without you all, I am not sure I would have made it.
Thank you for your inspiring words, I am sure it has benefited many of us during the past months when you posted your gratitude photo and write ups along with it.
Thank you! for sharing you story. Glad you find a way to express yourself with words and pictures. Keep sharing my 365 friend, it may inspire many others. 🤗.
And brr, looks cold out there.
Thank you for sharing this touching story with us and I would like to commend you for taking the first steps to making each day a little better. I think we have all had degrees of depressionat one time or another and this is such a wonderful way to help our minds back to some level of happiness. I am grateful for your openness and courage to continue on. Wishing you a wonderful day as you step into the next into today and the next.
Keren first I’m so glad that you have come this far in your journey to regain better health. You have always inspired me with your journal and I have often mentioned that you could write of book with your wonderful words. Please continue to be positive and focus on the good in your life. I don’t have to tell you how lucky you are to have your family around you. I wish only good thoughts for you now and in the years to come. Your 365 friend, Jennie :)
Love this fog image!
So, so glad to hear you are in much better health now. Your gratitude journal reminded me each day to be grateful in my own life - I think you moved many of us in that way. I am grateful for you sharing your beautifully written thoughts and images here with us on 365 - so thank YOU!
Beautiful 'foggy' scene Keren....I too am so happy for you...I always read your words & have said too you have a gift for writing & expression. I so enjoy your photos.. ..
Well done to find purpose & gratitude in your life Kerin....sometimes we forget the good things in our lives & take them for granted. I applaud you for your success & the peace & contentment you have found. I try & think of my three good things everyday. Very often I struggle but there is always some simple thing I have not at first thought of....we are happy with surprisingly little in life as long as family are well & happy!
I` am familiar with these feelings and survived them. Now I can only be made happy. I will not allow anything else. Hope you can get to this too. The picnic area is meant for some self-reflection Great shot to express you feelings.
Thanks so much for sharing that. 365 is a big part of my mental hygiene but I haven't stretched myself to write more yet. Not yet... Have you ever heard of Carol Dweck and the fixed mindset v growth mindset? Ted talk if you're interested (or book)
Mighty pleased to read you’ve accomplished what you tried to achieve ☺️And I, like many on this forum, LOVE your gratitude journal and thoroughly enjoy your photo’s. So thank you for sharing your words and images 😘
@dustyloup thank you for letting me know about the TED Talk. I shall look into it. I have definitely heard of growth mindset, using it is such a powerful choice.
How fabulous it is to read your narratives every day especially today and how wonderful your 365 friends have been able to help you along the way. Let’s all carry on positively together.
so great to read the positive attitude you now have, life is not always as we would hope, and we have to focus on the best bits and push away the negative.
Stay safe and happy.
June 14th, 2020
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And brr, looks cold out there.
Ian
So, so glad to hear you are in much better health now. Your gratitude journal reminded me each day to be grateful in my own life - I think you moved many of us in that way. I am grateful for you sharing your beautifully written thoughts and images here with us on 365 - so thank YOU!
Stay safe and happy.