Comments on: Gratitude Journal Examples, Ideas and Writing Prompts

By: Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:57:06 +0000

In reply to Alfi. I'm so glad to hear this! In my gratitude journal, I just wrote that I'm thankful for thoughtful readers like you. ~Eliza

By: Alfi

Alfi — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:40:10 +0000

Thank you for sharing. it give me an idea on my own gratitude journal

By: Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross — Sun, 12 May 2024 22:32:37 +0000

In reply to AnWe. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I like your analogy that practicing gratitude can be like strengthening a muscle by regular exercise. (Trying to do better with both!) ~Eliza

By: AnWe

AnWe — Fri, 10 May 2024 02:36:24 +0000

In reply to Louisa. I completely agree that practices that come from a “toxic positivity “ perspective can be harmful and can highlight areas of need. But I also want to highlight that happiness and gratitude are not the same thing. Of course we can be both, but we can also be one or the other. Although I do believe that gratitude can contribute to feelings of happiness over time. I’ve heard practicing gratitude can be much like strengthening a muscle and the more you use it the easier it will become. I hope this is a helpful perspective.

By: Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 23:44:43 +0000

In reply to Louisa. Louisa, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful reply. You make some very valid points, and I really appreciate your perspective. ~Eliza

By: Louisa

Louisa — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:25:47 +0000

I know these things mean well, and I am all for being grateful for things that bring you joy IF you have them, but these are also a reminder that many people don’t have these things. It’s essentially undermining the bad things and saying you can just magically choose to be happy. Happiness is not a choice. It’s an emotion, and like all emotions, was meant to be felt naturally. If you have to force yourself and tell yourself that you’re happy, it isn’t genuine. You can’t help what makes you happy, since everyone is different, and not everyone has the things that make them happy. Those who claim they “chose to be happy” are people who had the things that made them personally happy but won’t admit to it being outside sources that brought them that happiness. Same with those who claim to be “self-made,” despite it literally being impossible to become successful without outside help. If you wouldn’t tell someone who is, say, forced into human trafficking or prostitution that they can just choose to be happy despite waking up tied to a bed and being sexually assaulted, don’t do that for those in other circumstances. You never know the battle someone is facing inside. They may seem able bodied and of sound mind to you, but even the thought of being forced to work and pay to exist can be devastating overwhelming and detrimental to the person’s mental health. I know this is a long rant, I’m just saying to please not assume that, because someone has things that you may consider should make them happy, doesn’t mean they do.

By: 33 Ways to Improve Your Life From Home - Eliza Cross

33 Ways to Improve Your Life From Home - Eliza Cross — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:56:26 +0000

[…] 9. Write 3 things you’re grateful for every day. Or start a gratitude journal. […]

By: Jill Dian

Jill Dian — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 13:46:49 +0000

I’ve kept a journal since 1986 when I began a Creative Emrboidery Course at The London College of Fashion. Sometimes I fill a journal in a few months…sometimes they last all year… they are also scattered with tiny pieces of artwork etc etc… I have 54 journals to date and at 78 years old I’m wondering who the heck will read them all…..then I remember ….

It is The process of Writing that matters… it frees the soul …. I love my journals…. :)