I started a gratitude journal about two years ago based on a friend’s recommendation. I was told you cannot be both actively depressed and grateful simultaneously.

At the time when I first started journaling, I was dealing with self-induced anxiety and depression brought on by years of compounded alcohol abuse, I have since then stopped drinking and the practice has been one of the best habits I have adopted in my life.

At first the effects were very subtle and over time I started to see life through a different lens. As I started to focus my thoughts on what I was grateful for, instead of what caused me anxiety and what made me sad.

I noticed that it became easier and easier to look at things in a positive light. I noticed I had so much in life to be grateful. It was like Magic!!! Now why do I bring this up? Well, the GS reading we have been doing about “Love” has for me begun to have the same effect.

By training my mind to focus on “love” I in-turn leave no room for “hate”. Maybe hate is a strong word but essentially what I have begun to notice within myself is that my temperament has started to soften.

I am becoming more patient with others that I disagree with. I am becoming a better listener. “I greet each day with love in my heart.” I connect with others on a much deeper level, my mind is starting to look for the similarities with others instead of focusing on the differences.

Now I still have moments when I experience sadness or when I find myself perturbed by someone or something. But I am able to snap out of those emotions in a much quicker fashion. Rather than ruminating in negativity, I find myself craving positive emotions and positive experiences.

I hope this post and my experience brings someone hope.

Love KK