In a world filled with full calendars, more tasks than you can possibly complete and notifications coming at you from all angles, it's easy to get caught up in the negativity that surrounds us. As our daily world seems to just keep getting faster and busier, it's crucial to find ways to counteract this negativity and shift our focus to more positive thoughts. One powerful technique that can help with this is gratitude journalling.

Humans are wired to notice and remember negative events more vividly than positive ones, a phenomenon known as the negativity bias. This bias has been a survival mechanism throughout human evolution, as it helped our ancestors avoid dangerous situations and threats. However, in today's world, this bias can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction.

Gratitude journalling is a simple practice that involves regularly writing down things that you are grateful for. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can retrain your brain to notice and appreciate the good things around you. A gratitude journalling practice can create new neuropathways in your brain, leading to increased feelings of happiness, contentment, and overall well-being. As Tony Robbins points out, where your attention goes, energy flows.

Research in the field of positive psychology has shown that gratitude journalling can have numerous benefits. Studies have found that individuals who engage in regular gratitude practices experience improved physical health, better sleep, reduced stress levels, and increased feelings of happiness and joy. Additionally, gratitude journalling has been linked to stronger relationships, increased empathy, and a greater sense of fulfillment in life.

By taking just a few minutes each day to write down things that you are grateful for, you can begin to shift your mindset from one of negativity and lack to one of positivity and abundance. For me, I practice gratitude journalling in the morning, after I have enjoyed my cup of coffee.  I love and recommend the Five Minute Journal. This journal provides space for you to jot down three things you are grateful for and three things that would make today great. For me, this serves as a reminder that each of us has the ability to create their days so we can enjoy them (note: this may require a mindset shift). It also includes space at the end of the day to reflect on what went well and what would have made it even better.  

This simple practice can have profound effects on your mental and emotional well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. By setting aside a few minutes each day to reflect on the things that you are grateful for, your mindset will begin to shift toward finding the good that is already all around us.  

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