Are you having one of those days where the words just don’t seem to want to
flow from your pen? Have you been staring at a blank page in your journal for 10 minutes, hoping you’ll suddenly find the inspiration you need to write?
Writer’s block happens to the best of us at times, but don’t let it defeat you. If you are struggling to find a topic to write about, try counting your blessings with gratitude journaling. (Warning: once you get started, you may have trouble stopping!)
Be Gone, Writer’s Block
1. To give yourself added focus, set a particular time period for your gratitude journaling exercise. This can be a day, a week, six months or two years. Concentrate on only this period, and spend a few minutes reflecting on what you have been thankful for during that time.
2. At the top of the page, write the dates you are focusing on and the words, “I am grateful for…” Take a deep breath and start free-writing; scribble down whatever comes to mind, even if it seems silly at first. For example:
I am grateful for… (January 2011 – August 2011)
• My friends who are always supportive
• Taking my first real summer vacation (two whole weeks off!) in a few years
• Iced coffee milkshakes
• My bicycle
3. Write for 30 minutes or until you feel you have put most of your thoughts onto the page. Read your list and look for any recurring themes. Are there multiple entries about your appreciation for the outdoors or the people in your life or good food and drink? Write down the trends you notice and reflect on what they say about your priorities or values. For example:
I seem to be grateful for a lot of things that help me relax or slow down – library books, bike rides, time off from work. I really value having time to myself.
Did gratitude journaling help you beat your case of writer’s block? Share what you are thankful for in the comments!
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Download an eBook on other Journaling Tips to Cure Writer's Block
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