Become The POET of Your Life With A Gratitude Journal
I am the first to admit that I am a lazy writer.
I’ve written novels, short stories, essays, poems, podcast scripts, speeches, training lessons, everything from soup to nuts, and it was always a challenge to kick start the motorcycle and get that project moving.
I understand that half of the work is just showing up, and that’s all well and good and fine, but once you show up, and get your butt in the seat, what next?
Do you pray and wait for inspiration to strike you from above?
Do you pick out the perfect pen, the perfect piece of paper, the right lighting and make the setting just right for your muse to appear?
Do you stare at the blank piece of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead from the effort?
I know for a fact that all of us have done some variations of one (or more) of these themes.
ADMIT IT!
Even when it comes to something as simple, as healing, as obvious as a gratitude journal, I always had a tough time.
“How do I get started?”
“What if I miss something?”
“What if it’s all just … STUFF* that I’m grateful for?”
These are valid concerns, I guess, but I am also of the opinion that folks tend to overthink things a bit when it comes to their own private journaling practice, which is ironic, as it’s supposed to be somewhere, someplace where you can let your hair down, let your freak flag fly and just relax and be yourself.
HA!
Double HA!
Don’t you worry, because I have discovered an acronym that is going to allow you to get that gratitude journal started fresh each and every morning, each and every page, and you’ll never suffer journalist’s block** again.
All you have to do is remember the word POET, because each letter of the word POET stands for something you can be grateful for.
The letter P stands for PEOPLE in your life that you are grateful for. These can be regular cast members or even guest stars for the day.
The letter O stands for recent OPPORTUNITIES that you had to make someone else’s life better.
The letter E stands for recent EXPERIENCES you had in your life where someone else made your life better.
The letter T stands for the THINGS in your life you are grateful for.
That’s it!
People. Opportunities. Experiences. Things.
This simple word will allow you to enter your journal easily, like slipping into a hot bathtub (or shower) every morning.
I encourage you to grab your favorite pen, and some nice paper, and become the POET of your life right now.
I hope that this little note has blessed you, if so, I encourage you to share it with someone that could use it.
Take care, and until next time, God bless.
*Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
**Not sure if this even exists. Maybe I just made it up.
Originally published at https://billmize.substack.com.
