People often ask me how do you begin to Carpe Diem or “seize the day?” I firmly believe it begins with GRATITUDE.
I remember going through a really dark period in my life. I felt terrible and I felt even worse because I was in such an extended funk. During that period I was inspired to start a Gratitude Journal to remind myself that I did have something to be thankful for despite my “current state.” I knew I had at least 5 things to be thankful for a day. Some days the list was simply the nuts and bolts of life:
- I’m thankful that I can blink my eyes
- I’m thankful to be fully functioning
- I’m thankful that I woke up today
- I’m thankful that I can walk
- I’m thankful to have food to eat
And some days the list just flowed. Shortly after I begin to consistently keep my Gratitude Journal I begin to see a shift in the energy around me. All of a sudden it wasn’t a S-T-R-E-T-C-H for me to think of 5 things to be thankful for in a day, it appeared that things were working with and for me instead of against me and most importantly I got my mojo back.
I’ve learned that you have to be thankful for what the UNIVERSE has blessed you with; even God wants to be appreciated. Keeping a Gratitude Journal has also been my personal “benchmarking” tool. It’s a record of all my blessings, experiences and encounters that have given me the opportunity to CARPE DIEM.
8 years later I still keep a Gratitude Journal. I have one on my nightstand for days that I’m inspired to physically write and I have an app on my phone, The Happytapper Gratitude Journal.
I found this great Gratitude Mason Jar idea on the web one day, http://dontforgettosmelltheroses.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-thankful-jar.html#!/2013/01/the-thankful-jar.html I’m improvising and using one of my favorites vases and my “Joy of Living” cards to capture moments of gratitude this year too. I even let guests drop a thankful card in the vase if they want to.
CARPE DIEM
Jasmine,
What an uplifting, inspiring, and life changing blog post! I keep a gratitude journal, too, but for those who do not, this post could forever improve their life (and thus those they come into contact with and so forth…)!
To make me think, laugh, and feel in one short post, in my opinion, speaks volumes about you and your writing talents! I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to your future blog posts!
Please keep them coming! 🙂 Carpe Diem, my friend!!! 🙂
Best wishes,
Vida
Hi Jasmine. I’ve fully read read your blog with tears rolling down. Why the teats? Cause I applaud you for being true to yourself, Strength & Courage. I’m happy you are in a better place. Most of all I’m happy to be in your company! Keep blogs coming Jasmine, very inspiring. Xoxo
Thank you for the kind word Shelly! Looking forward to connecting on one of my visits to NYC. You can subscribe to my blog so you receive automatic updates. 😉
Thank you for your support and for reading my blog Vida! How were the crab legs? You can subscribe to my blog so you receive automatic updates. 😉
Yes! Gratitude is the attitude that will shifts your perceptions!! So grateful for people like you! Much love… Keep shining,smiling and blogging…Carpe Diem
Thank you Luisa! I’ve been so blessed by you and the other OWN Ambassadors! You can subscribe to my blog so you receive automatic updates. xxxx
I can identify with the need to be grateful for what you have. I used to wake up 15 minutes every morning and make a list of what I was thankful for. I didn’t realize how much it really helped unitl I stopped my routine on a daily basis. I really did notice a surge of positive energy. Your blog has inspired me to pick up my routine again. There is nothing like good positive energy in your life to help you to either cope with conflicts or to maintain a positive outlook.
Postitive energy is definitely the BEST! I firmly believe it’s a blessing to be blessing! I’m thankful for your friendship & encouragement Erica. You can subscribe to my blog so you receive automatic updates. 😉 #CarpeDiem
Thank you Jasmine, what a wonderful blog! I keep my journal at my bedside, not good when when you travel like I do and have to write it down in a note pad. Sometime I’m to tired to even do that. Getting a second journal for sure. The one thing that I’m getting really good at is naming the things that I’m grateful for. I remember when I had to think very hard to come up with just a few things. That’s all changed. Great blog Jasmine! You inspire me! Kisses
Thank you for your kind words Caroline! I’m grateful to have you as a friend! You can subscribe to my blog so you receive automatic updates. 😉 xxxx