Category Archives: list

10 Things I Am Proud of Myself for…

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We all know that keeping a gratitude list helps us stay centered and focus in on all of the positive parts of our lives – the parts that are working and flowing. And we know that the more we focus on them, the more positivity we will attract into our lives. It’s so great to go back to these lists when you’re having a not-so-positive moment – it’s an instant pick-me-up. 
I thought it would be fun today to turn the gratitude toward ourselves and make a list of 10 things that you are proud of yourself for. It could be ten things that you did today, this week, this year, or over your entire lifetime. 
Just the act of patting yourself on the back is so important and crucial to being able to truly love yourself.
So let’s all do this today:
10 Things I Am Proud of Myself for Are…
If you would like bonus points, you could even comment on each one and write down why it makes you proud. 
What did you learn in doing it? 
How has this made you a better person? 
Have fun honoring yourself today. Your soul will thank you – I promise.
Warm fuzzies all around. 🙂

A Gratitude List

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It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to write a post about gratitude! 

Feel free to click here (or below) to learn more about our Gratitude Project. 
Okay – now for today’s post:
 
 Happy June! 
Today’s post is about keeping a gratitude list. 
 
There are so many ways you can do this – and you get to decide what feels best for you. 
Some will choose to have one notebook (like our I Am Grateful For… book) that is designated to hold list upon list of all that you love about your life. Some may keep this list on their computer. Others may just tell their loved ones around the dinner table each night what they are grateful for. 
It’s completely up to you! 
 You may choose to write a gratitude list every day, once a week, or whenever the mood strikes. 
And that’s completely okay! 

When we focus on gratitude and everything that is going right in our lives, our thoughts end up attracting more positive events and feelings. This is the kind of snowball effect that we can welcome with open arms!

So let’s all take some time today to write our gratitude list.
And then continue this practice when it feels right.

Here is mine:
 
I am grateful…
 
that I have a great start on writing my new book: 50 pages written so far, and an outline for the rest!
 
for self-care days – staying in my pjs all day, lying around, reading, and doing exactly what I want to do – whatever that may be.
 
that today is one of my self-care days!
 
for healthy green smoothies.
 
for a loving husband who supports me in everything I do.

that things seem to slowly be working themselves out between our new kitty and the older one who likes to bully her.

for sun showers – beautiful and refreshing.

that my sweet Biddle cat is such a mama’s boy – perfect for every day, but especially a self-care day.

that I am keeping my word and not working during this sabbatical.

for so many exciting possibilities and opportunities on the horizon.

for our local library – I am constantly amazed by their wonderful selection of books.
 
for all of your wonderful comments and feedback about this blog.
 
for a supportive community that understands that going within and taking care of ourselves is crucial for lasting happiness and finding our way in this world. 

In gratitude,
Jodi





50 Words

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This is a fun exercise and a great self-esteem boost!
Write down 50 positive words to describe yourself. 
Easy, right? 
Hopefully! 
But… sometimes we can be really hard on ourselves. Many of us are quick to praise other people and forget to praise ourselves. If we had to come up with 50 words to describe our loved ones, we could easily do this – and probably come up with many more! The powerful part of this exercise comes in when we turn that love back to ourselves. 
If you are able to, it might be helpful to create a special space for yourself before you begin to write. Light a candle – carve out some “you” time. Sit in a comfortable chair. Take some deep breaths to center yourself and get into a positive, loving space. Think about your gifts and strengths. And then write. 
If your inner critic appears while you are writing – just take notice of it. You don’t have to give it power. Recenter yourself and start again. Write down only positive, loving words.
If you are having a hard time with this exercise, think about what words your loved ones would use to describe you (only positive words, though!). 
Once you have your list, remember to go back to it from time to time. Add to it! Hang it up where you’ll see it often! And let the words sink in. 
Feel how powerful they are. 
Feel how wonderful you are.

Your Happy List

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Happy Monday, everyone!
Here is a writing prompt/question from our Journaling Within book:
Are you truly happy?
If so, what are some things that make you happy? If not, when was the last time you remember being truly happy?
Take some time today to think about the question above. It’s a great way to get in touch with yourself and find out what’s going on inside. 
Sometimes we aren’t exactly sure what makes us happy – that’s where a Happy List comes in handy. 

Start a new page in your journal or a new document file on your computer and create yours! 
Here are some helpful tips:
  • To start, give yourself 15 minutes to sit down and write a list of everything you can think of that makes you happy. 
  • Be sure not to censor yourself – this is just for you to see. Only write things that truly make you happy (not things that you think someone would want you to write or things that you think you should write). 
  • Write down both big picture and smaller, everyday things that bring you happiness. For example, on one line you might write a family member’s name and on the next your favorite guilty pleasure tv show. 
  • Get as specific as you can. For example, instead of writing your pet’s name – write something that they do that brings you joy. 
Now you have your starting point, and you can add to this list anytime you think of something else. 
This is a great list to come back to when you need an extra boost of happiness, too! 
It’s also a great way to get to know yourself better.
So let’s all start our Happy Lists today! 🙂