Crafting Your Simple Journal Routine

To Foster Gratitude and Enhance Mindfulness

This one is sweet and simple! My four part daily journaling framework.

I was always drawn to the idea of daily journaling, (or almost daily!) but I would fall out of the routine quickly when it included long or in depth reflections. Or I would focus in one area but feel like I was missing a different area in my mindset for my daily “reset” or self care. Have you experienced this?

Because of this challenge combined with my ambition to journal, I created a format that covered the areas I would want to pause and reflect on daily/regularly, while keeping in mind what I would be most successful with. Successful meaning I would stick with the habit and see the benefits.

The Benefits I was Looking to Achieve (had have!)

• Self-Awareness – regular reflecting on thoughts and experiences support a deeper understanding of yourself
• Stress Reduction – journaling can serve as a safe outlet for emotions, worries and give space for perspective
• Increase Focus on Gratitude – giving time and space to focus on the many joys, moments and treasures sprinkled through out your day
• Cultivate Empathy – taking time to intentionally think of others in prayer or thought.

Daily Moment Journaling Framework

• Three things I am grateful for today
• One person to pray for
• One thing I am proud of today
• One thing I will let go of today

A little bit more about each of these…

Depending on the time of the day you are journaling, “today” may actually be yesterday. Within the past 24 hours is the reference.

Three Things You are Grateful For – this can be more than three, but I would encourage at least three, it brings a deeper reflection and perspective of the joys, big and small in life. Additionally, I encourage you to be specific. My health is a common reply to “something I am grateful for” but think more specific, think of the why. “Being able to walk outside today with my daughter, enjoying conversation and fresh air.

One Person to Pray For – I had reached a point in my life which I was “just moving through the motions”, a lot of it was based on the fact I was in the “busy-ness stage” with little kids. But having grown up serving others, it was a gap in my heart I was feeling. Adding this gives us a moment to pause and pray for others, send positive thoughts or energy for those we know or don’t know.

One Thing I am Proud Of – In most cases we don’t pause to reflect on the wins in life, whether big or small. As a checklist driven being, the unfinished items stand out far more than the items accomplished through out the day. The prompt to reflect on at least one thing to be proud of gives you a moment to celebrate yourself.

One Thing to Let Go – As a worrier, overthinker and all the other traits in this arena, I wanted a space to release some of the weight thinking of things that truly don’t deserve the energy or that I can’t change. While I am sure there is more than one thing you could “let go”, the step of one gives you intention and opportunity.

What’s Next?

If you feel like these benefits and this format would be a good match for what you are looking to achieve and will feel successful with then it is time to look into the next steps!

Get the Guide – I have a FREE PDF print off, laying this out and including an optional tracker, if you find that helpful when building a habit. CLICK HERE to get your free guide.

Get Your Journal – with a passion for journaling, lists, and note taking I have created a collection of journals intended to inspire. SHOP MY JOURNALS on AMAZON

Build Your Routine and System to Support Your Success– including when you plan to journal, your back up plan if you need to adjust and the right place to keep your journal and pen. Maybe your plan will also include an accountability buddy! If you want regular inspiration, encouragement and support in your journaling routine, follow me on Instagram! From reminders to sharing my efforts and more. Let’s connect!

The benefits of journaling is so impactful in your day to day mood, energy and mindfulness. And the reality is it can be a simple format to achieve these results. If you feel this is the right fit for your journaling wants and needs, impact and simplicity, then be sure to take your first steps!

Do you have other components you have included in your daily journaling routine? I would love to hear!