Setting the Scene:
I'm not sure if it's just me but it seems to be becoming harder and harder to find moments of time during my day to spend in calm and introspection. Turning off technology or simply breaking the habit of constantly reaching for it to find every answer or 'digitizing' every aspect of my life if often really hard. Added to which the increase in privacy data breaches and concerns over our online presence and data security, have really made me take a moment to rethink my online footprint - asking myself 'what am I really exposing myself too? what can people and companies find out about me?
A keen proponent of journaling and using affirmation cards I've become increasingly concerned about how vulnerable or secure my online data really is. After experiencing the inconvenience of last years Optus data beach, I have really stated shifting my focus to my online footprint - do I really want to risk my personal thoughts and ramblings to a potential 'hack or data breach'? Definitely not!
However, I also love journaling and would be reluctant to give it up. So late last year I decided to go a 'technology free' route and ditched a large number of my apps (and really took a good look at where/who each of my apps was made, paying particular attention to what they are doing to ensure my data protection).
If you are new to journaling and are unsure what exactly a gratitude journal is and the benefits that come from maintaining one be sure to check out this blog.
So amidst the digital chaos we seem to all now exist in lets explore how to maintain a non-technical gratitude journal. Because while apps and gadgets may offer some short term convenience, there's a unique charm in the simplicity of pen and paper and perhaps some glitter and glue! We'll explore how to start and maintain a gratitude journal and offer some creative ideas on how to embark on your own gratitude journaling journey.
Gratitude Journal
If you are new to journaling and are unsure what exactly a gratitude journal is and the benefits that come from maintaining one be sure to check out this blog. If you are looking for a few tips on how to use a gratitude journal try this blog post for an overview and a few tips.
The Essence of Gratitude Journals:
Gratitude journals serve as windows to our positive experiences, allowing us to reflect on the good in our lives (rather than focusing on negative dialogues). A non-technical approach, using paper, brings a tactile and personal touch to the process. As we take a break from screens, we create space for mindfulness, fostering a deeper connection with our thoughts and emotions.
Choosing the Right Medium:
The beauty of non-technical gratitude journals lies in their diversity. A cost-effective and practical option is an A5-sized diary with a week by week view. The layout provides a few lines for each day, ideal for jotting down daily gratitude's each night. The act of physically writing reinforces the connection between mind and emotion. You can usually purchase an inexpensive your local discount or office supply store.
Alternative Options:
Monthly Vision Boards:
For those who enjoy a more visual approach, consider a monthly vision board. Choose a simple art book or scrapbook with 12 pages, one for each month. Use cutouts from magazines, handwritten quotes, pressed flowers, and photos to create a visual representation of your gratitude journey.
Weekly Letters or notes to Yourself:
Transform a notebook into a weekly letter to yourself. Write as if addressing a trusted friend, detailing everything you're grateful for during the past week. This reflective practice provides a narrative of your positive experiences, creating a tangible archive of gratitude.
Handwritten Letters:
Embrace the art of letter writing by using nice paper and envelopes. Pen a physical letter to yourself each week, placing it in an envelope with the dates on the front. Store these letters in a repurposed box, decorated or plain, creating a time capsule of positivity. Revisit these letters during challenging times to remind yourself of better days.
Additional Suggestions:
Gratitude Collages:
Create collages using images, quotes, and personal mementos to visually capture moments of gratitude.
Nature Journaling:
Combine the therapeutic benefits of nature with gratitude by journaling outdoors. Use a notebook to document moments of appreciation for the natural world.
Poetry Writing:
Each week write yourself a summary of everything you are grateful for that week in a poetic form - at the end of the year you could bind together to create a book of Poetic Gratitude for the year.
Final Thoughts:
In a world dominated by technology, the act of maintaining a non-technical gratitude journal provides a sanctuary for reflection and mindfulness. Whether through a simple diary, vision boards, handwritten letters, or other creative approaches, the journey of gratitude journaling is a timeless and enriching experience. As you embark on this non-technical adventure, remember that the power of gratitude lies not only in the act of writing but in the profound impact it can have on your overall well-being.
Taking a moment at the end of each day to articulate and focus on what you are most grateful for keeps you focused on the positives in your life rather than letting the negatives dominate our minds - wishing you happy journaling, Violet Matters