Writing, Micro-Moments, & Paying Attention

Gratitude Journaling in September

Lean In, by Alex Elle

In the tapestry of life, gratitude is the golden thread that weaves through our experiences, binding them with a luminous glow and reminding us to honor our light. Gratitude practice has taught me so much about noticing, paying attention, and being in awe about the tiny things. It's this reminder to see the sunbeam amidst the storm or smell the fragrance of rain-soaked earth after a downpour. As we journey through our lives, the practice of gratitude journaling can become our compass, guiding us toward mindfulness, joy, and an unwavering connection to the present moment. 

When I started looking closer at ways to be grateful, I could explore the profound significance of this practice. It started transforming the mundane into the magical. Gratitude journaling is a sacred ritual in my life. It's a tender whisper to the universe acknowledging the blessings hidden in plain sight—the micro-moments of joy buried beneath grief, loss, uncertainty, and tenderness. It's an intentional act of savoring life's offerings, both grand and humble. Gratitude has turned what I have into enough, for now. It's been an invitation to focus on the present and less on the past or future—both are challenging for me. 

Selfie, Alex Elle

As we step into September, I'd like to invite you to make a gratitude list in your journal. At the end of each day, give yourself permission to lean into grace and wonder. This practice allows us to rekindle our relationship with the present, awakening our senses to the beauty around us, big and small.

Through the art of gratitude journaling, we can lean into mindfulness and clarity by slowing down more often. So many of us, including myself, forget to do that. The frantic pace of modern existence can obscure the miracles that reside within and around us. In the stillness of our journals, we have the space to tune in to our breath, the rhythm of our heartbeat, and the true whispers of our souls. The more we find ease in our lives, the more we can pause to acknowledge the sun's warmth on our skin, the laughter of a loved one, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, or the simple sound of silence. When woven together by gratitude, these fragments of existence create a rich experience of a life well-lived.

For me, gratitude journaling is the brush that paints the canvas of my life with vibrant hues of appreciation. As we write down our reflections in September, we'll start to shift our focus from what's lacking to what's abundant. Take note of when that starts to happen for you. Remember, gratitude practice doesn't deny the struggles or sorrows in our lives but can help us illuminate the spaces where resilience and growth reside. 

The power of gratitude lies in celebrating the peak moments and finding solace in the valleys, where lessons and strength await.

In a world where so many things often drown our inner voice, the practice of writing becomes a comforting act of self-love, a place of solace and emotional safety. It marries our hearts and minds and becomes an affirmation that our truth deserves a place on the page. Through gratitude journaling, we reclaim the narrative of our lives, nurturing the seeds we sow of self-compassion and acceptance.

As we enter a new month, let us remember that journaling is not just about the words we write but the intention we infuse into them. It's about the meaning of each word, the whisper of thanks we get when the days feel dark or lonely. Grateful living is a testament to our resilience, our ability to find inner calm amidst external chaos, and our commitment to living wholeheartedly.

Presence, by Alex Elle

My hope for us all is that our gratitude lists this month remind us of the glory to be found in the here and now—no rushing, no forcing, no ignoring—just presence and intention. Each morning or night, jot down one thing you're grateful for. It doesn't have to be grand, wordy, or deep. You don't have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to say. Let go of overthinking as much as you can. Consider this time as a moment of intentional breathing room in your day.

Remember: Gratitude practice is about finding simplicity in the moments we often miss. It's an antidote to the rush, a sanctuary of stillness. 

Lean In No. 2, by Alex Elle

Community:

1. Leave a comment if you’re in for a month of gratitude journaling together.

2. What small things do you want to start paying more attention to this season?

3. What does gratitude look like for you?

4. Read this for more info on starting a gratitude practice.