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Finding Light in the Darkness
Have you ever been so lost in life where you don’t know where to turn or what to do? Well let me tell you a little story finding my light in the darkness through gratitude journaling.
Let’s go all the way back to where it all started in my little bedroom after a break up which took my soul out of me. (Most of us have already been through this, in this day and age) Anyways let’s get back to the juice part of why gratitude has changed me for the better.
For those unfamiliar with gratitude, it’s acknowledging life’s blessings and finding appreciation in every moment. Everyone’s perspective on gratitude is unique, which is what makes this journey so beautiful.
To me, gratitude is about finding peace amidst chaos, clarity in confusion, and strength in vulnerability. It’s about transforming pain into growth and facing challenges with courage. We often suppress our emotions to cope, but it’s through acknowledging and processing them that we can truly heal.
Little did I know that a simple practice can revolutionise our thinking. Gratitude journaling isn’t just about positive lists; it’s a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. By shifting my focus to what I was thankful for, I unlocked a new power that I never knew existed. It’s become my compass, guiding me through my darkness into light.
My Story: My Spark Of Hope
My spark of hope brought me back to life. The breakup was a turning point in my life. It left me feeling lost, questioning my self-worth, and overwhelmed by the future. I know many people have experienced similar heartbreak, and I want to acknowledge that you’re not alone in feeling this way. It was during this challenging time that I realised I needed to make a drastic change.
I knew this cycle had to stop. So I decided to take a different approach to my daily activities and thought process. Instead of asking myself those negative questions, I focused on changing my mindset from being full of anxiety to full of joy, happiness, and peace. I started by clearing my mind and spending time away from people who brought negativity into my life. I also knew I needed to confront my personal traumas and mistakes on my own to heal and grow.
During this challenging period, reconnecting with my faith through the Quran provided immense comfort and guidance. The verses offered me a sense of peace and perspective, helping me to navigate through the storm. It was a blessing to know something like this can change someone’s thought process into something beautiful.
It wasn’t easy. Sometimes it’s hard to face our problems, but it’s the only way to move on. I learned that taking things one step at a time was the key. For example, instead of overwhelming myself with all the things I wanted to change, I focused on one small goal at a time. I started by practising mindfulness for just five minutes each day. As I made progress with that, I gradually increased the time I spent meditating, then moved on to other daily activities such as going to the gym and reading self-development books. This step-by-step approach helped me build momentum and achieve bigger goals without feeling overwhelmed.
A year and a half later, I’ve come a long way. I’m still learning and growing, but I’m no longer stuck in that negative cycle. I’m grateful for the journey, because it’s made me a stronger and more resilient person. Focusing on small things, like being able to wake up each day, helped me cultivate a sense of gratitude that fueled my recovery.
Filtered To Me
Power of Gratitude Journaling: My Small Steps, Made Big Changes
The power of gratitude can come from the simplest of things. It’s about finding joy in the ordinary and appreciation in the extraordinary. For me, this journey began with a conscious decision to shift my focus from negativity to positivity.
So I challenged myself to a 30-day gratitude journaling experiment. Each day, I wrote down seven things I was thankful for, taking time to reflect on why I was grateful for each one. For example, I was grateful for the warmth of the sun on my face during a morning walk, or for a supportive friend who listened without judgement.
In addition to gratitude, I identified three focus areas to concentrate on each day. These could be as simple as eating a healthy breakfast or spending quality time in nature. I also included a motivational quote or affirmation to inspire me throughout the day, which I can always go back to if I was feeling overwhelmed.
The transformation was gradual but profound. My mood became brighter, and I found myself appreciating the little things in life more than ever. For instance, I used to take my health for granted, but gratitude journaling helped me recognise and cherish my ability to move freely and enjoy good health. Over time, I noticed a significant reduction in stress and an overall sense of peace and contentment.
As my practice deepened, I realised that gratitude was not just about listing positive things; it was a powerful tool for rewiring my brain to focus on the good. I started to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This newfound positivity spilled over into other areas of my life, enhancing my relationships and boosting my self-confidence.
Now, I challenge you lovely people to try this out for the next 30 days. Taking small steps to make that big change you’ve always wanted. Here are three tips I wish someone told me before, I can say that made this much easier to keep going for 30 days and more.
Tip 1: Start small and be consistent
Begin with a manageable goal, like writing down three things instead of seven things for now until you get the hang of this process. Remember, consistency is key, even if it feels repetitive. The best time to journal is in the morning, but find a time that works best for your routine. You can only be the one to change your small steps into big changes.
Tip 2: Finding a journaling method that works for you
Find what resonates with you best. This part, it’s all YOU. Experiment with different formats, such as bullet journaling or free-writing or be a little creative and decorate your page and write a small message to yourself on what you have achieved today or if you have felt overwhelmed that day write it down and end it with a small loving message to yourself. For example, “Today was a lot, but I managed to get through 2 of my focus areas. Tomorrow is a brand new day. Let’s get to it!”
Consider using a separate journal to track your daily achievements. This can be a powerful way to visualise your progress and stay motivated. Review your journal entries regularly to see how far you’ve come.
Tip 3: Be patient
Remember that change takes time. That’s what makes this beautiful – when you realise the issue and you want to make the changes. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. It took me a year and a half to get this practice into my daily routine. Keep practising, and you’ll start to notice a difference.
Finally, remember to have fun with this. Don’t be too strict with yourself. That’s one rule I can say to do but also love every inch of what you’re going through. I can admit half the time it was pain, crying 24/7, but I now look back and I’m so happy with my transition.
Filtered To Me
Creating Filtered To Me Journal: A Journey With a Purpose
After completing my 30-day challenge, I decided to create my very own gratitude journal called ‘Filtered To Me.’ The name came about as I realised that my personal journey had transformed me, and I wanted to create a space that would offer comfort, guidance, and inspiration to others.
Filtered To Me is more than just a journal; it’s a companion on your journey of self-discovery and healing. By dedicating time to reflection and gratitude, you’ll unlock your inner strength, cultivate resilience, and find renewed hope. With Filtered To Me, you’ll have a dedicated space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and aspirations.
One of the defining features of ‘Filtered To Me Journal’ is the inclusion of carefully selected and personalised barakah boosters and ayats from the Quran. These verses offer spiritual guidance, comfort, and inspiration, helping readers find solace and strength during difficult times.
Alongside the Quran verses, I’ve included a collection of affirmations designed to uplift and empower readers, focusing on four key areas of life: Good Health, Success, Self Love, and Friends & Family. These positive statements can help shift your mindset, boost your self-esteem, and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
Finally, I’ve created a selection of quotes that have resonated with me on a personal level. These quotes offer valuable insights, motivation, and encouragement, reminding readers of their inner strength and resilience.
Filter what is needed in your life today. Filter your own comfort with self-love, good health, and success!
Discover the Magic of Filtered To Me Journal
Ready to cultivate gratitude, find inner peace, and achieve your goals? Filtered To Me Journal can be your companion on this journey.
Unlock the power of self-reflection and positive affirmations, alongside carefully chosen Quran verses for spiritual guidance. Filtered To Me is designed for everyone, regardless of their faith.
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