GR8FUL, still

Just over a year ago, I started a gratitude journal - every night before bed, I listed 5 things for which I was thankful, specific to that day. About halfway through the year, I added 2 daily prayer requests to the list, as a way to curb my anxious thoughts.

I just filled the notebook. It has definitely been a positive exercise for me. I think it has helped me to see that every single day, even the hard ones, there are lots of good things in my life for which to be grateful.  On a few occassions, I stared at the blank page, struggling through my attititude to find something positive from the day, but those were the exception and not the rule.

I'm going to take a break from the journal for now, mostly because I think too much repitition robs an exercise of effectiveness. But this Thanksgiving, I'm in a better place that last year - not just in circumstance, but in the heart.  We have SO much to be thankful for.