There's some research that suggests writing in a gratitude journal is beneficial. Actually, writing in any type of journal seems helpful, but at least one study shows that writing in a gratitude journal daily for just a few months increases happiness levels.
I'm all for increasing happiness levels, so here goes:
1) I'm grateful for my health. Really. It's amazing to me how our human bodies work. The fact that mine appears to be working well is incredible.
2) I'm grateful my cats still love me, even when I'm a fuck-up. Chloe is laying on me right now, purring loudly.
3) I'm grateful for my view. It's a sunny, gorgeous day today… and it is so beautiful here.
4) I'm grateful for my friends. There is so much I could add here…. But let's just say I'm grateful for them…
5) I'm grateful I have enough food to eat today
6) No meetings are scheduled for today
7) Did I mention it was a sunny, gorgeous day?
8) Oh... and I'm grateful for blogger. A free blog... I've definitely taken advantage of that. Thanks, blogger!
I was going to write five, but I've always been an overachiever. Apparently, I'm supposed to do this every day, and I will gradually feel the effects of focusing on the positive.
It is true that optimism is related to physical and psychological well-being. So… I'm gonna look on the bright side.
Or try to.