Positivity Journaling

I've been down lately. Lots of stuff has happened that sent me into full panic and anxiety mode. My work has suffered, my spirit has suffered. It seems to me like the only thing one can count on is things falling apart sometimes. Atleast that was my mindset lately.

Though its not necessarily anything to do with my spiritual path, I have decided to make some changes, particularly to the way I think and how I let that affect my emotional state. I've come to realize that dwelling on negative thoughts has not only damaged my practical life, but my spiritual one as well. I feel more vulnerable to attack negative energies. They seem to be drawn to the doom and gloom of my melancholy moods. And to be honest I'm just sick of being a slave to my emotions, its like a rollercoaster.

So I saw a simple idea that I thought I would give a try. I'm sure many have heard of the concept of a positivity journal. Basically the idea is to journal in one place everyday about all the positive things that happened, or collect any thoughts or ideas really. If negative things happen, you can write only about the positive effects they might have, such as the ability to change and be flexible, or the opening of new opportunity through loss. The only requirement is that what goes in must be positive.

Though the idea seems very fluffy, it did appeal to me. I've been contemplating for about a week now and finally jumped in. Yesterday I purchased a nice big hardbound sketchbook to start my journal. I used scrapbook elements to liven up the pages I did yesterday. I also glued in some of my favorite images. I completed a cover page as well as yesterdays daily entry, plus a page of affirmations. I was in a depressed mood but working on the journal helped me relax.

Today I noticed a change which kinda blew me away. Everywhere I went I was looking for positive things to add to my journal. Every interaction I had seemed more joyful because I was searching for good instead of bad things from others. I haven't done my second entry as of yet this evening, but plan on doing so as soon as my daughter is in bed.

Just one day and I feel like I am in a better frame of mind. I even noticed that today when I had a negative thought, I began to automatically examine it for any negativity and question its validity. It made me realize how powerful our thoughts are at determining what happens within our day to day life and how we react to it.

I'm no fan of THE SECRET and other five dollars cures for an awesome life. But I am astounded at the changes this one little thing created in my experience today. We shall see if it continues once it becomes a routine for me. I hope so, cause I need to find a way to cope with stress in a better fashion.

What are your thoughts on positivity or gratitude journaling?


IN FRITH,
CENA