Showing posts with label Happiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happiness. Show all posts

Monday, March 10, 2014

How Does Your Hobby Benefit You?

I've always thought it strange that someone could go through their whole life without a single hobby.

I actually know a couple of people who don't have one. 

Maybe it isn't necessarily that they don't have a hobby, but they don't have any particular interests to occupy their time and minds. Nothing that they like to do that helps them clear their heads and rejuvenate their souls.



What Are Your Hobbies?

What is it that you enjoy doing. Perhaps it's running, baking, sewing?

I personally have to do something. Through the years my interests and "hobbies" have changed but there has always been something.

I use to love reading and went through all the Anne Rice and Stephen King books I could get my hands on. But then I found it difficult to find quite time with three girls bouncing around around.

I use to love painting - in acrylics - landscapes and portraits. But it also turned out to be a difficult hobby with children.

At this point in my life crocheting is my fav. I can crochet just about any where at any time. Unfortunately right now all my crocheting gear is in storage. 

I was feeling a little lost and needed something. So of course I went online - just browsing. Then I came across some pretty pictures - doodles - tangles - in black and white. 

I immediately knew that I found something I would love to do. 

All I need is a sketchbook and black markers. A hobby that doesn't take up much space or cost much money. I could get these items at a dollar store. It cost three dollars for the book and one dollar for the marker. 



Mind you I realize that at some point I may want to invest in better paper and markers. But for now I found my creative outlet. I found something easy to learn, relaxing and fun. 



The Benefits of a Hobby

Physical activities have obvious benefits. But what about the other kind like crocheting?

There are some very wonderful benefits of having a hobby. Hobbies are a means to finding happiness, an overall sense of well being and reduce stress.

Fun
Positive psychology is a relatively new branch that studies what makes life worthwhile. They discovered that activities which bring fun into your life is a good way to relax and to live in the moment which provides an over all sense of well being and happiness.


Good Stress

Hobbies promote Eustress which is a positive kind of stress created at times of great enthusiasm. Hobbies are a great way to create Eustress because you are doing something you love to do and it makes you feel excited.


Gratification

Gratification is also a part of positive psychology. If you are like me, I enjoy activities that make me feel productive - like I have accomplished something other wise I feel like I am wasting my time. Knowing that I will have a completed project of some kind gives me a fantastic feeling of achievement which equates to happiness.

Staying In the Moment

A hobby can engage you in a sense of flow, which can put you in a near-meditative state. 

I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. It's the kind of activity where you lose track of time and before you know it hours have passed by. You are concentrating so much in what you are doing that everything else (including stress) disappears. The end result is feeling less stressed out and feeling over all pleased with life - happy.


Hobbies Help Prevent Burn Out

What is burn out? It's the result of stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed at work, a hobby gives you something non work related to look forward to and it relieves stress. Your hobby may be the one thing that reduces the impact of chronic stress. 


Health Benefits of Hobbies

Hobbies are great for the body. Research has found that leisure time fun activities are associated with lower blood pressure, total cortisol, waist circumference, and body mass index. 

Hobbies are great for the mind. There is also a relationship between enjoyable activities and an increase in a positive outlook -reducing levels of depression.


Hobbies Promote Socializing

Hobbies can bring people together. Even if your hobby is meant for one person, there are groups out there  composed of others who also enjoy that activity. Connecting with people in a fun way relieves stress and contributes to your overall happiness.

Now we know why I have been so desperate to find a new hobby. I need something to to get me in the zone - flow (refer  Mihály Csíkszentmihályi's concept of "flow") - to decrease stress and depression - to increase my positive outlook -  - to make me feel HAPPY.

So next time someone you know is feeling stressed or down, ask them what is their hobby. What do you do for fun? Then tell them to get out there and get a hobby!




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I would like to thank Maz Kwok at Crafting Along Blog Hop for featuring my post. I am extremely grateful.

This post was one of four most clicked at the party. To check out the other features please click HERE.

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Monday, January 13, 2014

Today I Choose To Live With Gratitude

Hi. I am so happy you decided to stop by for a visit. I hope everything is good with you.

I'm actually feeling pretty good all things considered. I've had a few rough years and 2012 was the worst.

I lost my job from restructuring. My husband was diagnosed with PTSD and can't work. We lost our home of ten years to the bank. And I lost my mind. Well, maybe I still have that.

It is gratitude that helped me cope because with everything bad that has happened I still have so much to be grateful for. 

When I practice gratitude I feel different - optimistic - happy. 

Today the sun is shining. I have a roof over my head and food in the cupboards. I'm healthy and alive. And so is my family.

I choose gratitude.



quote about gratitude


Yes, it is a choice. It's true. So today I choose to be grateful. I choose to live with gratitude. What about you?

I wonder why more people don’t choose to live their lives with gratitude in their hearts. The world would be a better place if we did!



quote about gratitude.
Don't you just love flowers.



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Well thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed reading this post. 


And don't forget to stop by my Etsy Shop, Little Shop of Treasures or check out a few other posts.

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I look forward to reading your comments. Make our day and leave one! 
We all learn and grow together when we share!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Smile and Pass It On

Rate the Smile

Some peoples smiles really light up a room. You know the ones who smile so big their eyes sqwish up. Then the laughter comes bubbling up. I'm sure a few images just popped into your head right now. Made you smile didn't I? 

Unfortunately my smile is not radiating. My teeth are crooked so I very rarely show them when I smile. My eyes do sqwish though. My Mom has a wonderful smile. My daughters' and granddaughters' all have beautiful smiles. The sunshine radiates from them. I see their smiles, my heart leaps with joy and I can't help but smile too.


Smiling is Contagious

Of course smiling is contagious. Someone smiles, then before you know it, someone else's pearly whites are flashing. And it feels so good doesn't it! 


Smiling is a Gift

So share your smile with everyone who crosses your path. 

It's a special gift and it's free. It doesn't cost you anything to spread the joy.



Smiling and Gratitude

Try this. Smiling while saying thank you:
  • Smile at cashiers when they return your debit card or pass you the change and say thank you. Don't forget to look them in the eye. 
  • Smile at the rude sales person and thank them for their time.
  • Smile at the stock person and thank them for showing you where the milk is.
  • Smile at your spouse and say thank you as they pass the potatoes at supper.
  • Smile and wave at the driver who lets you in through traffic and to the driver who honks their horn and swears at you.
The simple act of putting a smile on your face while saying thank you will uplift the spirits of the person on the receiving end. Sharing your smile with gratitude is an extra special gift and it doesn't cost you anything either.



Lift Your Spirits

Smiling has the power to improve your state of mind even when you feel there is no smile in you. I dare you to try this. Next time you are feeling sad or angry and you are having a difficult time smiling, force a smile. Or even better yet, picture the smiles of loved ones and feel the negative feelings melt away.




Hear The Smile?

Did you know people can hear you smiling when you are talking to them on the phone? Those if you who haven't heard of this, humor me. Smile and talk. Okay now stop smiling and talk. Can you hear the difference? I can and so can the person on the other end of the phone. They may even ask you why you are so happy.




Lead by Example

As I said earlier, my Mom has a wonderful smile. I remember her smiling more often than frowning. She just smiles. All the time. She says people must think she is a bit cuckoo because she walks around with a perma smile. She sure gets a lot of people saying hi to her and sparking up conversations.

When I am talking to my granddaughters, I smile. I hope my smile makes them feel good because Grandma loves them, appreciates them and feels happy to be with them. I also hope my girls learn to smile more often than frown.




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How does your smile rate? When you smile can you feel the happiness and gratitude for that moment in life?


Does all this smiling talk make your feel happy, positive and refreshed? Better than frowning, right?

Thanks for stopping by. Smile and pass it on.

Linked up at http://myfashionforwardblog.com/all-things-pretty-11/#more-2887

Yahhh! Sheryl at The Wilderness Wife has featured this post on her blog. Thank you Sheryl.



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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

15 Reasons for Keeping a Gratitude List

When times are difficult it can be hard to remember to be grateful. That's unfortunate because that is probably when you need it the most.

When you are grateful you cannot be sad or depressed. When you are grateful all you can feel is happy.

The benefits of being grateful are:
  1. cure broken or difficult relationships
  2. cure lack of health
  3. bring more money into your life
  4. reduce  fear
  5. reduce worry
  6. reduce  grief 
  7. eliminate depression 
  8. find solutions to problems
  9. find happiness 
  10. with clarity
  11. have patience
  12. with kindness 
  13. have compassion 
  14. with your understanding 
  15. bring peace of mind
If you are having difficulty understanding how gratefulness can help with all the points that I listed, try the 28 day practices outlined in Rhonda Byrne's book The Magic and/or follow along with me on my journey starting at the beginning, Day 1.


Be Grateful for Yesterday Today and Tomorrow
Darlene Nemeth

Grateful for Yesterday

Be grateful for all the blessings you have received in the past.
  • I am grateful that my daughters and granddaughters were born beautiful and perfect. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful to all the people who helped through the tough times. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful for all the money I have received. It came in many different forms: coupons, free stuff, discounted items, pay checks, gifts, bonuses etc.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Grateful for Today

Be grateful for all the blessings you are receiving now.
  • I am grateful for everything and everyone in my life at this very moment.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful for the money in my pocket and in my bank account. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful for the light above me so I can see what I am doing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful to be alive and healthy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful for the health of my loved ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Grateful for Tomorrow

Be grateful for the unknown blessings already on their way to you right now.
  • I am grateful for my granddaughter who will arrive within the next month. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful for all the money I will receive. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • I am grateful to live a long, healthy and prosperous life with my family.

I think my lists are good to start with. I can always add more as time goes by.



Have you started your gratitude journal yet? I would love to hear about it. Maybe share a short gratitude story. That would be wonderful.



And don't forget, I'd love it if you joined me on my journey, we could learn as we travel together.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Laugh Out Loud!

There's nothing like a good laugh to lift your spirits. I am sure you're thinking, "like dah". But you know, when you are feeling down, it doesn't occur to you that something so simple can make you feel better.

Dr Judith Orloff has this to say about laughter, "True laughter is a surrender to hilarity; a sound, a smile, a heart opening. You feel it in your chest, or your whole body may shake. Also, notice that prior to a joke, there’s an air of expectation, a subtle shift in consciousness and attention, the promise of mood transformation."

Watch a comedy. Not something mildly humorous. Find something hilarious. Find something so ridiculously side splitting that you will laugh out loud.

Why not check out stand up comedians on You Tube. A comedian's job is make you laugh and laugh til your face hurts. 


Louis C.K. Chewed Up (2008)
I was perusing the net when I came across Louis C.K. Chewed Up (2008). He is a bit vulgar but you know that can be funny. He covers several topics that I can relate to. Just check it out then let me know what you think.

Or maybe you have a favorite comedian you would like to share.

Sorry, I have to stop for a sec to laugh. He was just talking about his five year old daughter trying to tell him a secret. LOL

Boy can I relate. My granddaughters are so funny when they try to tell me a secret. First they really don't know how to whisper. The neighbor next door can hear them. I brace myself for a blast in the ear then Faith says, "Grandma, I want to tell you a secret." I am wincing and pulling back so she puts her little hands on my checks so I can't get away as she "whispers" to me again. "Grandma, I want to tell you a secret." And that is usually her secret. She's so cute. 

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Barriers to Abundance

What do I Want?

Hmmm.  Happiness of course but what else? Think, think, think. I want more. I want to be able to financially help my family and friends. I want to be able to spend more time with my family and friends.

So why aren't I where I want to be? Let me think this one through. 

Hey!   I am pretty much where I wanted to be at this point in my life. I have a lovely home, a job I love, a nice car, wonderful friends, a loving family to share my life with . . . What else could I want? 

I want to up my "standard of living" so I can spend more time with my family, time to pursue other interests and financially help friends and family. 

I want financial freedom. Everyone's dream, right? Not exactly. As a teenager I wanted to live in a house that I owned, have children and a job doing something I enjoyed.

I got what I wanted. Didn't I? Of course I did. But I got a little older. Now I want something else. And that's okay. People change and their needs/wants change right along with them. 

I want financial freedom. So what can be stopping me?


Barriers

I have barriers. We all have barriers. They are preconceived perceptions taught to us by our family, friends or community. We have debilitating fears and poor self esteems.

Distorted Perceptions

www.findingdulcinea.com
For instance, I was raised to believe that money doesn't bring you happiness. But I beg to differ. We need money to survive in this world and to maintain happiness we need at least enough money to pay our bills, put food on the table, get us from point a to point b and provide some of the niceties in life. Without the money for all these items, we are filled with stress, unhappiness, depression, low self esteem. You get the the picture.

Perhaps my Mom taught this to us because money was tight when she was growing up. And after my father died money was tight for us. We had to  learn how to get by and make the most of it. 

I also grew up thinking you have to work hard for your money. Not  a completely true statement is it? But it is ingrained into my mind and very difficult to get rid of.

To reprogram my brain I constantly say to myself  and out loud occasionally, "money comes easily and frequently".

Another perception is that people who have "money" are stingy, self absorbed, maybe "stuck up." The rich get richer. That's because they rip people off, take advantage of the poor and weak. So you don't want to have loads of cash because you will become one of "them." Ebenezer Scrooge is not the best role model.

I know a fair number of people who fit these stereotypes so they are just making it more difficult for me to erase. To rid myself of these pictures of greed , I like to imagine myself with a fist full of money and I am handing out stacks to cash to my mom, sister, kids, friends and I see huge smiles on their faces as the money hits the palms of their hands. I feel excited and over enjoyed. What a wonderful feeling.

Can you think of any other distorted conceptions that would prevent you from accumulating wealth.



Fears

Fear can be very debilitating.  It can seriously affect our strength or ability to reach our goals.  We may not even start work on a goal because we fear failure. Or we are afraid to move out of our comfort zone and it is just easier to stay exactly where we are than to venture out.


Shyness is fear. Shy people miss out on so many experiences because they are too afraid to talk or move in unfamiliar ground. I know because I was extremely shy as a child and young adult. Trust me, I missed out on so much. I am still shy but I'd say it doesn;t hold me back like it use to. I forced myself into those uncomfortable situations and slowly but surely it became easier.

What fears hinder you from accomplishing your goals?


Self Esteem
I'm not good enough. I'm not smart enough. I'm too short, I'm too fat. Let's face it we have a vast amount of issues we can draw upon for this category. Our self esteems can really hinder us from achieving abundance.

I'll give you an example. While searching for a job, say you see a posting and it looks ideal because you have those skills, the location is fantastic and it's for a reputable company. Then you see under the skills section that five years experience is required and you only have one or they want someone with college but you have none. I bet many of you would not even bother applying. I would apply. What could it hurt. So they may laugh at me. I won't be there to hear it. Or they might say, wow look at her resume., let's call her in for an interview. Then I'd get the chance to really impress them with my knowledge.


What to do?

We need to retrain our brains and move out of our comfort zones.

I want to fulfill my dreams and desires. I want to be happy. I want to break free from this small confined space I have boxed myself in. I want to enjoy everything that life has to offer!

How about you?


Friday, February 1, 2013

You are Successful!

Happiness

I was sitting here brain storming, in search of something to write about.The first word to come to mind was happiness which lead to gratitude. Gratitude equal happiness. 

But what else makes me happy? My family, my home, my job, my friends. Manifesting my dreams. Success. 

What does success mean to me - or you?

What is my answer? Success means happiness to me. The opposite is true too. In simple terms, failure makes me sad.


Society's Standards for Success

But how do I recognize when I am successful? 

I know some people pass judgment on themselves because they do not measure up to the society's standards. 

Let's look at the average teenager who compares themselves to their peers. Being successful in high school may mean you have great grades, have a part-time job, get involved in extra curriculum activities, dress in popular brand name clothes. or hang with the cool kids. And let's face it, if we aren't one of the cool kids we are losers.

What about after high school? Does success mean college or university? Maybe it's that fantastic job, big house and nice shiny car? 


Maybe you measure your success by the  accomplishments of your children? Or keeping up with your neighbors.

Society may judge us by these standards but I hope we don't. As I get older it has become easier to stop comparing myself society's standards but I don't think it is determined by the number of years on this planet so much as it has to do with self esteem and gratitude for ones self.

Defining Success

If we aren't suppose to compare ourselves to society's standards, how do we gauge our success? Maybe we need to review the definition of success.

1. Success may refer to: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Success)
  • a level of social status
  • achievement of a goal
  • the opposite of failure

2. Success. [suhk-ses]  (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/success)
  • the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals. 
  • the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like. 
  • a performance or achievement that is marked by success, as by the attainment of honors: The play was an instant success. 
  • a person or thing that has had success, as measured by attainment of goals, wealth, etc.: She was a great success on the talk show.

Success Is . . .

To me, I am successful when . . . I happily complete a goal that I have created. This could be buying a house, a car, nice furniture. But it isn't because my neighbors have it.

I am successful when I finish crocheting a blanket, or paint the hallway. I am successful because I set a goal for myself, I worked to complete that goal and I did it. 

(All this talk about the word success. It sounds weird now, doesn't it? Success. Yep it is a weird word.)

Defining Success for Yourself

Is it how we judge ourselves as human beings that determines our success? Do the successes through out our lives give us value? What does success mean to you?

I can't answer any of those questions for you. All I know is you need to figure out what success means to you, for you. And we shouldn't compare ourselves to others when determining our success.


Why Success?

I wanted to write about success today because it has a lot to do with your self worth and in the end, your happiness. 

Let's face it, if we become very sad and depressed when we feel unsuccessful. And that has to do with the means that you determine how successful you are.

We can't compare ourselves to any one else. We don't do it with our kids. We don't do it with our family. And we don't do it with our friends. So why are we so hard on ourselves?

We have to set our goals then celebrate when we reach them. Yes! Let's CELEBRATE! YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL!

If you like this post, please share the love with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. 

Monday, January 14, 2013

Making Your Gratitude Journal Work

Gratitude Journal Rules

I don't think there are any rules. . . I think they are more like guidelines. LOL

Never under estimate the power of your gratitude journal. It is one of the best tools to give you an attitude for gratitude. And subsequently bring you sustainable happiness. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My Dollar Store Gratitude Journal


1. Write it down. 


There's something about writing down a gratitude list in my journal that makes it real.  I can go through my list in my mind or out loud to myself but it just isn't the same. Seeing it, and writing it helps so much. 


2. Feel it.


Close your eyes and repeat it then say thank you, thank you, thank you and really feel it.


3. Daily. 


The journal has to be daily. We want it to become a part of our daily routine. You don't have to think about it or try to remember to make your gratitude list. Grabbing your journal and your pen will become second nature and eventually forgetting to write will leave you feeling off, like forgetting to brush your teeth.


4. Make it Ten. 


I believe your list should be ten. I have seen journals with less items but for me, five is easy. After five, I need to think a little harder, dig a little deeper and sometimes an item that I am grateful for will just hit me. Why had I not thought of that one before?


5. Keep it Close


I like to keep my journal with me so I can write whenever the inspiration hits. Plus jotting down items through out the day helps me stay grateful. And happy. Because that's what my journal does for me. 


6. Review it. 


While I have my journal open, I like to reread some of the previous items and I get to feel grateful all over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Do you have a rule you would like to add? I think I am forgetting something. Oh, I like laughing at myself.


Gratitude Journal

This is how my journal looks today.

I Am Grateful:
  1. To Nick for driving me to work and picking me up each work day without complaint. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  2. For the free yummy lunch at work because it is so nice when we all get together. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  3. For such a great team at work because it is the people not the job that makes work memorable.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  4. To Nicole for making another delicious dinner for the family.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  5. To Nicole for keeping the girls occupied while I checked my email.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  6. For Faith and Sidney because they are the sunshine in my day.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  7. For the beautiful weather because I didn't have to turn my furnace on.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  8. A working vehicle because it comes in handy when I need to get someplace.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  9. For the internet because I enjoy relaxing and reading at the end of my day.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  10. For having everything I need because it is comforting.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gratitude Stone

Since I am at it, I'm going to hold my gratitude stone, contemplate yesterdays gratitude list and decide what I am most grateful for.

I am most grateful for the beautiful day because it was wonderful and weird to be able to open the windows in mid January to let the fresh air in. Thank you, thank you, thank you.


Thank you for visiting. Will you remember to write in your Gratitude Journal? 

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Friday, January 11, 2013

Nine Reminders to be Grateful

Happy, Happy, Happy
Thank you, thank you, thank you.


The Gratitude Habit

If an attitude of gratitude is new to you, it may be difficult to remember to say thank you. Until it becomes a habit, I have found it helpful to surround myself with reminders.


1.) Gratitude Stone

My gratitude stone is a wonderful tool. It sits at the bottom of my purse so every time I dig around in there, I catch a glimpse of my stone, I smile and think "thank you".

At the end of the day, I dig out my gratitude stone and roll it between my fingers. I often close my eyes and review the list in my journal to decide which item I am most grateful for. Feeling grateful and happy as I drift off to sleep - sublime. It is a wonderful way to end the day.


2.) 16 Gratitude Practices to Find Happiness

This is a list of practices outlined in Rhonda Byrnes book The Magic. I have a copy of this list in a few conspicuous places and it give it a quick glance when I feel the need to remember some of the other ways to integrate gratitude into my life.

3.) Gratitude Key Chains

Gratitude Key Chain
Recently, I made this key chain that says HAPPY. You know I can't remember what made me think about making it. Weird. Anyway, I chose colours that I knew would make me feel happy. To me, happy means gratitude and vise versa so of course this chain is a fantastic reminder to be grateful. 

I feel grateful for my home as I unlock the door with my keys. I am grateful for my car as I unlock my car. I am grateful for my job as I unlock the office door. You get the picture. Think about how many times you take out your keys in a day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I made a couple of other chains. One says THANK YOU in square white beads with lettering in pink and green. Another one says SMILE in square white beads with multi-colour lettering. I think they turned out nice. I want to make one more, then I can give each of my daughters a keychain. Who wouldn't want a pretty dangling key accessory telling them to be happy? 

4.) Gratitude Book Marks

My wonderful daughter, Nicole loves to read. This is my gift to her and all you avid readers out there. Book marks. But also a reminder to be grateful and happy every time you open your book.


5.) Magic Check

I have my magic cheque posted on my gratitude board which hangs on the wall across from my computer desk. Every time I look up to contemplate my next sentence I can see it and say to myself thank you for the money. Money comes easily and frequently.


6.) Post Notes

I haven't used these as reminders yet but I have thought about it. If I am going through an especially difficult time I could use the extra reminders. I think something simple like Smile written on a sticky note in your favourite colour would suffice. I could put it on the mirror for an extra boost to start off the day. My family might even appreciate it. Smiles are contagious don't you know. Pass it on.




7.) Gratitude Buttons

I guess it would depend on your age, but gratitude buttons would look nice pinned to your knapsack, a favorite t-shirt, your shoes, or jacket.


8.) Printables

If you haven't checked out my printables page you should take a look. Maybe you will find something you'd like to hang in your home. You can check it out now then come back here to finish reading this post. It's okay. I wait.

I hope you found something to your liking. I have printables scattered throughout my home. Stick one on the refrigerator, frame one and put it your washroom or pin it up on your gratitude board. You could print a small version and place use it for a book mark either in the novel you are reading or in your gratitude journal.

You might not even like my printables. You may find an image with an inspirational quote on Pinterest that you prefer. That's fine too. Although I would be ecstatic if you loved my printables and pinned them. Yahoo.

I will be adding more printables over time so come back occasionally to see if one of those spark some interest.


9.) Gratitude Journals

The last reminder I am going to talk about today are gratitude journals. There are all kinds of ideas on Pinterest to inspire you when choosing your journal. Make it fancy or keep it plain. You could pick up a dollar store notebook and carry it around with you to write your list as you go through your day.

If you would like to see some journals here are some links to see what others are doing:

http://www.iloveitallwithmonikawright.com/2012/02/gratitude-journal-how-im-using-it.html

http://theno-noroom.blogspot.ca/2012/01/mini-altered-journals.html

http://www.meloveletters.com/mirror-mirror/grace-of-gratitude/

http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Oprahs-Gratitude-Journal-Oprah-on-Gratitude


Well I hope you found this post helpful or least interesting. Making gratitude a habit may be a challenge but with a few reminders strategically placed can assist you on your path to inner peace and happiness.

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