Gratitude Journaling for Mums

Gratitude journals offer a great outlet for Mums.

As we lurch from dirty nappies, piles of laundry, endless lunch boxes and drop-offs, it can often be hard to remember who we are or why we’re here, never mind finding the time to be grateful, yet according to gratitude journaller and founder of The Self-Love Project, Eloise King, taking time to put pen to paper can be incredibly healing and self-nurturing for mums.

 

“As mothers we are often on a roller coaster of giving out.  Wiping snotty noses, band-aiding cuts, offering cuddles and cooking countless meals – the list goes on.  But at the end of the day, when everyone is tucked up in bed and you have even just 5 minutes to yourself, writing a gratitude journal can give you a sense of perspective and help you get back in touch with yourself,” she says.

 

In fact, research has shown that gratitude journaling can increase your happiness levels by up to 25 per cent.[1]

 

“Expressing gratitude increases oxytocins and creates stronger connections and bonds which can be very beneficial, particularly for mums,” says Eloise.

 

Here, Eloise shares her top tips for how mums can practice the simple, yet highly effective, art of gratitude journaling:

 

1. Be Honest

Don’t be afraid to express your feelings – the good and the bad.  As mums we often find ourselves acting out the “Pollyanna position” where we are putting a rosy glow on our lives, whether it’s to cheer up our kids or prevent friends and family worrying about us, or even just to pretend to ourselves that we’re OK.  But it’s OK not to be OK.  Start by writing down three things that you’re struggling with and then, take the time to think about three things you’re grateful for.  This can help you get a sense of perspective and balance about what’s really going on for you each day.  Expressing the things you are grateful for can give you something positive to focus on when the daily grind becomes overwhelming.

 

2. Be succinct

If you commit to a gratitude journal, don’t feel bound by it.  If you’re short on time, then be succinct.  Sum up your feelings in a few words and leave it at that.  You can even use drawings or doodles if you can’t find the words.  Sometimes this can be just as healing and effective than long drawn-out prose.

 

3. Enjoy the Ritual

Just like a hot bath at night or your favourite cuppa, spending time writing in your gratitude journal can give you something to look forward to – a little bit of ‘me time’ in a hectic day.  Choose a lovely journal or notebook to write in and pick the perfect pen that you love to hold and that helps the words or pictures flow.

 

4. Celebrate the Small

As a new mum, even through the fog of sleep deprivation, it’s often the little things that give us those huge heart-wrenching moments: the first smile, the tight grip of a tiny hand, the first tentative steps.  But as time goes on and especially if we have more children, or when we go back to work, or when life just gets a grip, exhaustion can creep in and we find ourselves in survival mode, getting through the chores of the day.  This is when gratitude journaling can be incredibly grounding, bringing us back to what really matters.  Just by focusing on the little things that happen – the smile of a stranger at the bus stop, the sharing of playground tales over dinner, or cuddling up to read a favourite bed-time story.  These little things that happen every day are worthy of notice, of recognition and of celebration, because they make up a life.  It is by noticing and recording even the smallest detail of our life that we can celebrate our lives and this can help us feel truly grateful for whatever life brings our way.

 

“This year, Pilot Pen is celebrating its 100^th Anniversary and with World Gratitude Day on 21 September, what better time to pick up a pen and write a gratitude journal,” says Eloise.

 

If you’re in Sydney on 21 September, then head down to Martin Place where Pilot Pen will have a huge gratitude wall upon which you can write and share your gratitude thoughts.  You can take home a free personalised gratitude card written by a professional calligrapher and receive tips and advise on gratitude journaling.  Watch street artists in action, grab a free coffee and more.  For more details, visit: www.pilotpen.com.au.

 

To give you the opportunity to start your own Gratitude Journal, MumsDelivery have teamed up with Pilot Pen and have 1 Frixion 4 in 1 Wood Pen to give away.

Featuring a choice of four erasable ink colours in one easy grip pen. Rub out any mistakes with the built-in eraser and start again without a trace.  With a beautiful wood grain tip and co-ordinated metal barrel, it is perfect for relaxed and enjoyable gratitude journaling.  RRP: $45.00.

To win, simply comment below telling us why you have a gratitude journal or why you would like to start one.

 

Article from: 

Eloise King is the founder of Souluversity (an online educational institution) and The Self-Love Project (a six week online program), both which are aimed at helping busy people create more balance, happiness, authenticity and meaning to their lives. A former journalist educated in psychology, psychotherapy, anthropology and neuroplasticity; Eloise has worked alongside the likes of Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Dr Joe Dispenza, David Avocado Wolfe and more. For more info visit www.theselfloveproject.com.

 

[1] Robert Emmons, author of Thanks! How the new science of gratitude can make you happier