Some days are easy, others take a little more time. Some are the gifts that I like to call blanket "Miss America" answers: the health of my children, a wonderful husband, a roof over our head. And yes, those are HUGE. I don't belittle them. I am sure if I haven't already listed them, I will list them by the time I get to my goal of 1000. My rule is to never repeat the same blessing in my journal. I'm approaching number 46 today. In the past week, this journal has done more for me than realize what the Father has bestowed upon me. I'm learning more about myself, and it's helping me in the craft of writing.
Here are some ways I've discovered that my Gratitude Journal is helping me become a better writer, and I think it can help other writers also:
1. Learn to say more with less. Keeping each item down to a simple sentence, sometimes even a simple 3-5 word phrase, forces you to find the correct descriptive words and trim the excess.
2. Become more attentive. Looking for God's blessings as you go through your day awakens you, as you are prepared to see the revelations moment upon moment. Competent writers are keen observers.
Rather than those "Miss America" answers, I look to the simple and find the splendor in it. Senses awaken to the instruments of the Creator. By putting a magnifier on the small, we can appreciate details which help capture the often unnoticed moments. Remember to slow down.
3. Force creativity. My self-imposed "let no blessing be repeated" rule makes me not only become more attentive, but also get more creative with my writing. I have often found that my self-proclaimed "Miss America" answers can be given true action and specificity with a small creative twist.
4. Focus writing goals. Each day, my topic is the same in my Gratitude Journal--three simple gifts. In that way, it's a great tool to help me focus my writing, and discover new ways to add to my list each day. A journal containing morning pages (an idea promoted by Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way), is a great way to get all your thoughts on paper, and it's tremendously helpful to use for brainstorming, meditation, and more. I have a tendency in my morning pages to wander, though, and when I need to focus, my Gratitude Journal is a win-win. I can focus on thanksgiving to God, worshiping Him and honing my craft at the same time.
5. Accept the meager, (and be prepared to edit later). Some days, the words won't flow from my dull, clouded mind. An illness, a needy child, a hectic schedule, a pet with muddy footprints . . . the mundane can push me to wonder how to find three blessings in a day's time. But still, I write--even if they sound corny, cheesy, or selfish. If I write nothing else that day, at least I write those three blessings.If you haven't started a Gratitude Journal yet, now is a perfect time to do so. Ann Voskamp has some wonderful products to go along with her book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
Later, I'll look on my list for the meager days and often can turn the meager list into something wonderful. Finding the beautiful in the ugly, those "silver linings" give you valuable practice in self-editing, while allowing you to see God's gifts and perfect timing from a new perspective.
6. Form consistency and pacing with writing habits. If I write nothing else in a day, my Gratitude Journal is the one thing I can maintain. Keeping a list is easier than a 3-page journal entry, which some days I simply don't have the time to do when I wear multiple hats. I tend to write longer pieces in shorter spurts, when I can grab a few minutes here and there. I know, though, I can spend 15 minutes a day with my Gratitude Journal (I usually only need about 5 minutes).
, or you can use a small simple notebook. Here's mine:
If your up for a healthy writing challenge, take a look at Ann's Joy Dare for a year's worth of focused gifts that you can print and keep in your journal.
Happy writing, and don't forget to thank God daily for His many gifts!
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