7 Unusual Thanksgiving Journaling Ideas

Have you started a daily ritual of giving thanks? During this time of year, a lot of us like to reflect on things that we are thankful for. However, with our busy lives, it's an easy topic to overlook. If you would like to reconnect to your heart of thanks, here are 7 Unusual Thanksgiving Journaling Ideas to consider during your (very intentional) downtime. Hint hint... ;-)

Yourself

When was the last time you thanked yourself for being YOU? You weren't an accident (despite what your parents may say!) and you are here for a purpose. You are loved, you are valued, and you have a purpose. You don't have to know what that purpose is, maybe you'll never know, but that doesn't discount your value or worth. Give yourself some grace this Thanksgiving season and journal to yourself a note of thanks for being...YOU. 

Pets

Some people would be able to write an entire library of books about their pets! But, who has time for that?! Instead, take a moment and journal your thanksgiving about your fur baby. What do they mean to you? How have they gotten you through some tough times? How do they show you love and uncompromised devotion? Pets are amazing creatures that have the ability to connect with you on an entirely different level of emotion than humans do. Breathe deep and give thanks to your pet. Hold her, hug her, and love her just as she (or he) loves you back, no matter what! 

Abilities

You have something that no else has. It's true! Sure you may be able to paint just like someone else can paint, but your particular talent, strokes, and color schemes are unlike any other. Don't discount your abilities and what you are an expert at or tend to do with ease when others find it more difficult. Give yourself some props and give thanks to the One who you enabled you. Go a step further and not only journal your thanksgiving about your abilities, but showcase them! Share your talents with someone. Tell a story about how you developed your skillset and let someone else awe over you. It's not bragging, it's sharing how you are different and unique and that is something worth being thanked about (especially if someone could use your awesome skillset!). 

Smile

Did you know that smiling is contagious? If a stranger smiles at you in passing, guess what you may find yourself doing back...SMILING! Ha! You just smiled, didn't you? Journal what your smile means to you and to others. How do others react when you smile at them? Smile longer. Smiles are more powerful than you realize and that powerhouse is at your beck and call every moment you are conscious. Take a moment and think about the exact TIMES you can smile at someone (even if it's only in the mirror). Are you shopping today? Are you picking up food? Will the first person be graced with your smile? You have it, use it because it's beautiful. 

Feelings

For people whose Love Language® is physical touch...giving thanksgiving for the hugs in your life is noteworthy. How often do those precious moments of connection happen? Do you find yourself taking them for granted? How many times do you give or receive a hug? How does that make you feel? Hugs are just an example, so give thanksgiving to your feelings and how they are used in your life. Do your feelings bring on pleasure and feelings of security and happiness? Are you sad? Respect your feelings and journal your thoughts on your feelings. Sometimes all your feelings need is a voice to express your inner thoughts. And then... you feel better. Give plenty of journaling time to your feelings because they are what make you... human. 

Nourishment

What nourishes your soul? Is it love from a spouse or child? Is it food? Journal your thoughts and give some thanksgiving vibes to what nourishes and comforts you. It's different for everybody, so be careful not to judge yourself. Simply journal your truth and how you feel about nourishment. Are there people in your life who take away your comfort and feelings of inner peace? Journal that. Get it out on paper and if you choose, develop some healthy boundaries about how to maintain and keep yourself nourished and at ease. 

Laughter

LOL! ROTFLOL! If you are a "texter" you've seen these and many others in the course of chatting with friends. Laughter. It's truly a gift to your soul! Who in your life makes you laugh? Are you able to laugh at yourself even? Life is serious enough, take a moment to journal your thanksgiving on the moments that make you belly-roll laugh until you pee your pants. Yup, we went there. Hahaha! If you are a pregnant mom, you understand. Laugh!!! Laugh out loud! Journal about what makes you laugh and intentionally set yourself up for moments that make you cry in the blessed agony of happiness! 

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Maybe these suggestions aren't so unusual and you think about them often. That's great! Take a moment, even if it's quick voice memo of thanksgiving for things that you wouldn't normally be thankful for. I bet the first one wasn't on your list. But if it was... tell us! Did you contemplate giving thanks for yourself this holiday season? Comment below and tell us WHY!! Let us celebrate you, too! ^_^