The most amazing thing I’ve learned in the last year is the power of positivity. It is definitely NOT just an aphorism. 

In my own adventures, I have found that positive vibes can really make a difference in my mood, but until last year, I never accepted or understood the real power positivity holds. Honestly, it’s less about positivity and more about gratitude. 

For some people, gratitude is simply a way to share photos of their family and pets on social media (who doesn’t love a good picture of a baby and a dog???) For others, gratitude can be a nod, a handshake, a smile, or a simple “thank you.”  

To me, gratitude is all of those things and so much more. It’s a way of looking at what I have and thanking the universe for allowing me to have all that I do. Sometimes it is very hard to “count my blessings” and I’ll admit that I’m not always positive or always as grateful as I could be. 

But in my time of need, the universe is always there for me.

On days that I’m particularly struggling to show gratitude to the universe for all it has provided me,   I look forward to my new nightly journalling ritual. Every evening before bed, I write in a journal about the things I did that day to help me get closer to meeting my goals. Then I write down my favorite thing or things that happened that day. I’ve also started tracking my moods. It’s interesting that on days that my mood is best, I have a more comprehensive and substantial list of things to be proud of...

This new practice has helped me stay positive and confident, while also helping me keep track of my activities each day. On days that I realize I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted to, it reminds me to be more disciplined the next day. It’s incredible how motivating this small practice can be. 

I’d love to hear about your goals and moments of gratitude today. I will share mine in the comments below. 

1. What did you do today to help meet your goals? 

2. What was your favorite thing that happened today? 

3. Current mood? 

Note: The universe is different for everyone. For me, the universe is an all powerful, all knowing, omnipresent entity. For you, it could simply be a plane on which you exist. What do you think?