Gratitude Books

I started my first gratitude book on March 21, 2011. So as I'm writing this on March 31, I've been keeping it for eleven days. And what a difference it's made!

I feel so much lighter! At first I made my list at the end of the day, but after three days I started making it in the morning, as a preview of coming attractions. For instance, this morning started out dark and cloudy, but in my book I wrote "Another glorious morning!" And by the time I went out, the sun had started burning away the clouds and within fifteen minutes the sky was mainly blue with bright sunlight pouring on my face.

Some days I list more things than others. On 3/21 I listed ten, and so far today I have forty-eight. I add to my list as my day goes on, and I've started listing some things several times, depending on how I feel. After all, why can't I be grateful for love several times a day?

I'm starting to think of my gratitude book as something holy. When I first said that to myself, it sounded strange. But, really, what's more holy than giving thanks for the blessings in our lives?

People have even started responding to me differently. I've always had a friendly face, and I tend to smile at people. But lately people are smiling at me! I actually feel myself shining at times, lit from within with joy.

Don't worry--I'm still me. Today I told a woman at the library not to look for work cleaning houses for people she doesn't know, particularly by putting herself on Craig's list. It took me several times, but I finally convinced her that it wasn't wise for her to go into a stranger's home on her own. Instead I gave her a few suggestions of businesses that might be hiring and then brought her The Secret on DVD and the book.

I live in Metro Detroit, and I continue to worry about my neighbors near and far. But I learned an important lesson from the Dalai Lama. When someone asked him if he ever got angry, he said that of course he did, but he didn't hold on to it. So I continue to allow myself to feel what I feel--in this case worry--and then I let it go.

I tried keeping gratitude lists several times before, but it just didn't take. Maybe I just wasn't ready to let go of my difficulties and focus on my blessings. But I am now, and if you feel you're ready to give it a try, I wholeheartedly recommend starting your own gratitude list.