Today is the first day of our 12 Days of Gratitude and we will focus on your attitude. I wanted to run this as a type of motivational exercise or challenge to help you get in the habit of journaling more often. With November being Gratitude month I thought this would be ideal. In Canada we have all ready had Thanksgiving in October, and in the U.S. it's just around the corner.  Most people tend to not think of being grateful or thankful until the holiday's come around. Have you thought about how your life might change if you began showing gratitude all year long?

Let's get started with Day 1 – What Type of Attitude Do You Have?

So your first question is ‘What does it mean to have an attitude of gratitude?' Basically it's about appreciation for all of life's gifts. No matter what your circumstance, there is always something to be thankful for. In fact, studies have shown that ruminating on the positive increases feel-good brain chemicals which is good for your health as well as your relationships.

Like most things, we tend to attract whatever we put out into the universe. So if you're in the mindset of being grateful for all you've got, then you're opening the door for even more good fortune, wonderful people and promising opportunities to come your way.

Just like the early American settlers enjoyed the culmination of their hard work in the form of a huge celebratory meal, Thanksgiving is the time of year when we reflect on all the good things we've been bestowed, and the people who matter most to us.

If you'd like to increase positivity in your own life, cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a great place to begin. Instead of just saying one thing you're thankful for around the holiday table, why not take it to the next level, and practice an attitude of gratitude in all of your daily doings?

Exercise 1: What Type of Attitude Do You Have?

Journal Tip – Use this exercise to help you explore what you are grateful for in your life. Instead of writing a quick of who or what you are grateful for, expand on this and try to write a full page of content today. 

Whether you look at the world through optimistic eyes or not. This exercise is meant to help you grow and increase your awareness of the world and all of its wonder. That doesn't happen without concerted effort.

Start by journal about  something simple. Just like any goal, it takes practice to turn a new way of thinking into habit. If you're used to griping and complaining, then you might just kick off your attitude of gratitude by thinking of one thing to be thankful for each day.

You can do this exercise at any point in the day that feels right for you. If you're not a morning person and tend to feel grumpy until you've had your coffee, then don't force a positive mental outlook until you're awake and mentally warmed up.

Or, if at the end of the day you tend to feel wiped out and weary, then don't force the attitude of gratitude exercise at this time. Perhaps a mid-day reflection or some quiet time in the afternoon will bring out the positive in you.

This exercise is supposed to make you feel happy and satisfied… not like a chore that you're obligated to attend to because someone told you to.

So, when all conditions are right for opening the door to positive thinking, ask yourself: what good things happened today? What do I have to be thankful for? Then grab your pen or pencil and let your thoughts pour out. Writing about your attitude for gratitude can often help you discover new and positive things about yourself.

Once you have done this journal exercise, feel free to post about it in the comments section below, or come and share on our Createful Journals Facebook Page.

Thanks and have an awesome day!
Sue

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