Some mornings are much easier to get up than others. One morning just a few weeks ago, when my alarm went off, I felt sort of a dark cloud over me. I just wanted to roll over and go back to sleep.
I felt crabby. However, I knew I had gotten plenty of sleep the night before, so I told myself that I just needed to get up and get moving. I went downstairs and did what I do every single morning when I get up — I spent time reading God’s Word.
Every morning, after I spend time in God’s Word, I take a moment to write in my Gratitude Journal. On this particular morning, I realized that I needed to change my attitude and start focusing on the many blessings in my life.
The day before, we had a pretty long day and I had dealt with some difficult things. I knew that’s why my heart was feeling heavy. And honestly, I didn’t feel like writing in my gratitude journal.
I wanted, instead, to stew over the struggles and frustrations. I wanted to sulk about what had gone wrong. I wanted to sit and worry about things outside of my control.
But I knew in my heart that none of these things would accomplish anything productive. So I reminded myself: I just need to focus on the good.
There are always hard things in life. There are always struggles. How we respond to those struggles is often the only thing we have control over.
Every morning, I have a choice to wake up and choose to focus on the frustrating or choose to focus on the good. Getting out my Gratitude Journal and deciding to focus on what is right in the world, what my blessings are, and what is good in my life can radically transform my outlook on life.
Developing the habit of writing down a line of blessings every morning is one of the BEST ways for me to start my day — even on days when I wake up feeling crabby. Here are three reasons why:
1. Gratitude Changes My Perspective
Instead of focusing on the hard things or discouraging things in life, writing down my blessings causes me to focus on the blessings. A simple change in perspective is so effective in changing the way your day goes.
Ask yourself:
- What’s right in my world?
- What happened yesterday that was good?
- What am I encouraged by right now?
- What’s one thing I have to smile about?
2. Gratitude Slows My Racing Mind
When I woke up feeling crabby on that morning recently, my mind was racing all over the place. I was not only thinking about different situations in my life, but I was also feeling overwhelmed by what I needed to get done that day.
Taking the time to write in my gratitude journal slowed down my thoughts and helped me to focus on the good instead of being brought down by stressful thoughts.
3. Gratitude Challenges My to Think About Something Other Than Myself
Writing down things I’m thankful for gives me something to think about other than myself. It stops my mind from focusing inward and encourages me to focus outward
It’s easier to be Eeyore with the gloomy outlook on life, but it’s so much better to be Pooh, who always sees the rosy side of things. Writing in my gratitude journal helps me to focus that is on the good that’s right in front of me.
Your Turn: What are YOU Grateful For?
You don’t have to write a long list of things that you are grateful for, but I challenge you right now to think of at least one thing. Write that one thing down and then find a way to share it with someone else. Don’t keep your gratitude to yourself.
- Leave it in a comment on this blog post
- Put it out on social media
- Write it on a sticky note and put it on your mirror
- Jot it down on a whiteboard
- Text it to a friend
- Send it out in an email
Whatever works for you, share that thing you are grateful for. This way, you’ll have a reminder of the good things in your life. When you want to focus on the frustrating things today, remind yourself, instead, of what you’re grateful for. It might end up changing your whole perspective!
Tell us at least one thing you’re grateful for in the comments!
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K Ann Guinn says
I’m thankful for you, Crystal, and others like you who are successful bloggers and business women who value others enough to share both your encouragement and practical information with us to help us succeed.
I have been keeping a gratitude journal for several years now, and reading about your habit has reminded me to keep up this life-changing habit. It truly changes our perspective and can alter the course of my day.
I agree about it being easier to be Eeyore, and choosing to be Pooh…but how about Tigger? In fact, when we took our family to Disney many years ago, I purchased the Eeyore mug and my husband chose Tigger. We often laugh at how these characters illustrate our personalities.
I may be an “Eeyore” naturally, but my intention is to choose to see the joy and beauty in life and let go and “bounce” and play like Tigger!
Betty says
This is awesome. Never thought about a gratitude journal. I am grateful for family.
Theresa L says
2 things come to mind right off the bat. Things have been SO stressful, for a variety of reasons, lately. Well, Friday night, I was able to go to a late birthday dinner with 2 of my best friends. They’re both good, Christian women who I can just be myself and laugh and talk and “let it all out” with. It was an awesome time. Second is that I got to spend some unexpected time with my nieces yesterday. I have 3 of them and they’re all under 3 (twins aged 2 and a girl aged 1). I love them so much, but don’t get to see them nearly as often as I’d like. It was fun to get on the floor and and play dolly and ‘tickle’ and just hear them laugh and laugh.
God has been so good to me! 🙂
Ann says
My marriage. It is what everything else in my life is based on.
Ruth says
I am grateful for my husband. We have been through some ups and downs. But he is still here with me and we love each other.
Michelle Owings-Christian says
Hi, Crystal and everyone!! One of my very dear friends and Teachers and I do something during our morning journal work that we call “Nine Waves of Gratitude” (Nine is a very SACRED number in Celtic spirituality, three times three, which is why Nine.) Even if I don’t feel like I have time to do anything else, I write my nine waves of gratitude. Sometimes I have “breathing and above dirt” more than once. (In 2014 I almost died 3 times, so “breathing and above dirt” is NO LONGER something I take for granted.) I always feel better after my Nine Waves of Gratitude. Frequently, even if I felt pressed for time BEFORE writing my Nine Waves, afterwards I find or make the time to take my prayer time and write about the meditation that is in my prayer book. I hope that makes sense. One of the results of the difficulties I had in 2014 are lingering neurological issues — sometimes I lose track of what I am talking about.
One of the things I am grateful for is having found Money Saving Mom. I am NOT a Mom. I am NOT in my 30’s or 40’s. (I’ll be 60 in May!) I have no idea how Money Saving Mom and Make Over Your Mornings got into my e-mail. I am absolutely grateful that it did. I am clear that I needed it. I have never felt out of place here. I can relate to so much that you say and other people share here.
Have a wonderful week — and thank you for your honesty and authenticity.
Crystal Paine says
I just love this! Thank you so much for sharing! And I am so very glad that you feel welcome here — that’s one of my greatest desires: that no matter what season of life you’re in, you would feel welcomed and encouraged here!
Robyn E Ramsey says
I am thankful each and every single day for the breath that God blesses me with on a daily basis. ❤
Rachel says
I think I have a lot of stress? I am a healthy 25 year old with a wonderful fiancé, a great job, a ton of opportunity in front of me and a brand new deepened relationship with our Lord and Savior! I am still working on my relationship with Him, but I am SO thankful to have Him ever so present in my life again.
Kathryn says
I’m thankful for a 2YO who gets up chatting to the sky and keeps me smiling!
Anna says
I am so grateful for my husband, who carries more than his fair share and is quick to own his part (much quicker than I am) when we get intuitive am argument.
Anna says
Whoops – autocorrect! I meant INTO AN argument! ☺
Brynn says
I’m thankful that my parents were able travel 11 hours to be with my daughter for her third bithday party! Thankful that I have a healthy 3 year old! (Almost three!)
K. Ann Guinn says
I also write in a gratitude journal, ever since I read Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts. I try to do it daily, especially since I am by nature a “glass half empty” kind of person. It sure makes a difference to focus on the blessings!
I am thankful for the support of friends and family, especially in life’s seasons of uncertainty.
Regina Robbins says
I’m thankful for second chances.
Kristen S. says
I’m also SOOOOO thankful for you, Crystal, and your scoping! It’s been such a joy to me the last couple of months. I listen on Katch while doing my least favorite household chore, the laundry, and boy has it ever transformed laundry time! Some days I do extra just so I can keep listening, ha! Thank you for sharing your heart and being so real. It’s making such a difference in my life!
Rachel says
Yes! Without you, Crystal, I wouldn’t be working towards my goals and would still be feeling “stuck”. Thank you!
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much for your sweet words!
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you SO much for your kind encouragement! That blessed me so much to know!
Kristen S. says
Awesome lettering, Crystal! The Good Morning is just beeeyoootiful! 🙂 I’m thankful for my sweet 11-year old daughter who is going to compete in an Awana Bible Quiz tomorrow. She loves competitions and is so excited. It’s amazing when you look at your kids and are in awe of who they are because it’s SO different from who you are! Such a delight!
Crystal Paine says
Yes, isn’t it amazing how our kids are SO not cookie cutters??
Jennifer says
My son, who is three and has speech delay, went to the potty completely independently today! It’s been a struggle to help him understand potty time, so this is huge in so many ways!!!
Cheri Sheehy says
Everyday I have been taking a picture of something that I feel blessed about because I have found if I am not consciously looking for something or acknowledging something to be blessed with, it’s easy to get caught up on feeling defeated, tired, overwhelmed. Taking the time to take the picture has helped. Ive been posting them on Instagram and Facebook with #365daysofblessings. I then upload them to shutterfly and plan to make a book of my 2016 blessings. It will be good to go through next year!!
K. Ann Guinn says
That’s awesome, Cheri! My sister got me taking a “thankfulness” photo for each day, too, except we usually just do it around Thanksgiving. We both love photography, so it’s a great way to give thanks!
Kristen S. says
What a great idea!!
Swapna says
I’m so grateful for my family whom I can always count on to be supportive and be a good sounding board. I’m grateful for my daughter who always brings a smile to my face. I’m so grateful that my family and I are in good health.
muriel says
I’m grateful for my kids health. Other than the occasional cold, they have always been healthy. Talking with a coworker yesterday whose child struggles with getting sick several times a month and has had to go through many tests and procedures reminded me of this.
Renee says
I also keep a gratitude journal, because I learned about it on your blog. I have been doing this daily since Feb. of 2014. After my husband and I do our devotions in the morning, I go straight to my journal, and write down 5 blessings. When I say journal, it’s an old tablet that was left over from one of our homeschooling years:) But, it helps me to start the day out in a positive way, by counting my blessings. It’s so easy to wake up with the attacks of the enemy, but something about writing down those blessings, just turns things around. Another thing that my sister-in-law and I have started, is to text each other a scripture verse each morning. We live 2 states away, and our texts are normally received 1st thing in the morning, so it’s another way to start our day positive. And, a lot of times, the scripture is the exact verse we need for that day. God is good.
Diane says
I’m grateful that in spite of some very difficult challenges in our lives as my children were growing up, they have (through the grace of God) grown up to be happy, healthy, productive, caring people. I’m so proud of them, and I feel so blessed to be their mom.
Audra Kauffman says
Thank you, I SO needed to read these thoughts today. I broke my ankle 5 weeks ago and I have been unable to care for my family (my husband and 3 boys ages 7 & under) and the last couple of days I have been really struggling to maintain an optimistic outlook. Today is my first morning to get my two youngest ready by myself (without bearing weight on my ankle). I am thankful for all the family and friends who have brought us meals, who came to help with the boys, and who have prayed for us and checked in on us. I am thankful that I AM going to get better and I WILL be able to care for my responsibilities again. I am thankful that His grace is sufficient for me- I do not need to accomplish ANYTHING for my worth. I am already chosen, perfectly loved, and God has a plan in this difficult day for my good, and for His glory. Thank you Crystal for your wise thoughts!
Rose says
This will sound crazy, BUT.. Im grateful that I was fired from my job at the end of last year. I struggled so much everyday with pain and different illnesses. But, I just kept telling myself that I HAD to work. I Prayed to God EVERY day for the strength and stamina to get through each day at work. Then, God took the decision OUT of my hands : ) THANK YOU LORD!! Now, When in pain, I can sit with heating pad and/or ice packs, when Im ill, I can relax, AND am learning MANY ways to be more frugal. 🙂
Rose says
Oh, the reason I was fired was due to missing like 100 days of work last year due to illnesses and shoulder issues.
Savannah says
Today, I am grateful for doctors and modern medicine – something I think we take for granted. My 2.5 year old daughter has been very, very sick this week and it breaks my heart. However, knowing that the medicine we are giving her is making her feel better is such a relief!
Delorise says
Every day that I thank God that I was born in the good ole USA. Even on the days I worry about the state of our nation, I remind myself there is no other nation like the USA. Thank God for the freedoms we have here.
Bella says
Delorise, I thank God for allowing me to grow up in the US and now raise our children here. It is the best place in the whole world. Our parents moved here from Asia when my husband and I were just kids. We are naturalized and were privileged to go to college here. And the best gift of all was coming to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior! Yes, I treasure our freedom to worship God each Sunday. We are blessed a million times over! I love you, Crystal. So thankful for your authenticity.
Alissa Allen says
I am thankful that we had a good homeschool day yesterday. One of my children has been really fighting me on doing his school work. But yesterday he did it with no complaining or arguing.
Amity Decker says
Crystal- you are an amazing woman! You are so right though- there are days that are such a struggle! Yesterday I woke up and the pipes for the hot water tank froze, but instead of getting upset I thanked God that I had water. I was able to heat some water on the stove until they thawed.
Andrea says
In this crazy, challenging season, I’m thankful that God will never give up on me.
Crystal Paine says
YES!
Laura S says
I am thankful for my husband. He is an amazing, tirelessly hard worker. I wouldn’t want to live life without him!
Chelsea says
I know what you mean… I have been in such a funk lately and I really need to snap myself out of it. I feel like a looming cloud is the perfect way to describe it. On a side note- your lettering is looking great!
Laura H says
I agree – the Good Morning at the top of this post is beautiful!
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you SO much!!
Alicia says
I have been reflecting on this quite a bit these last few months, as our financial position is not ideal, and I sometimes let the world around me get me down. When I feel that way I try remind myself that being discouraged and frustrated won’t change these things. I must focus on the positives, the blessings of what God has given me. I am so thankful for a house to live in, three healthy children, and a husband who loves me and our children and works very hard to provide for us. Some people don’t get to experience these things. Ultimately, I feel truly, truly blessed.
Amity Decker says
Awww.. Alicia.. hang in there and keep pressing on! It will get better!
Crystal Paine says
Such GREAT perspective! Thanks for sharing!
Zan says
I am thankful that there is ALWAYS hope in the Lord, no matter how gloomy or stressful things may seem. I have not been faithful to the journal as I want to be. But when I do use it, it really boosts my spirits. Thanks for an awesome journal and the reminder to be thankful!
Crystal Paine says
YES!
Janet says
It has been a pretty challenging week at work. When things get especially stressful, I remind myself that at least I am not Job. He had to face so much, and still he did not turn his back on God. If Job can survive the the things he faced, I can lean on God and keep moving forward through the toughest of days. Even when it seems like there my be little to be grateful for (which is never true, just a temporary perception), I can always be thankful I am not Job.