I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal for a a little over a year. Everyday, I write down at least five things that I’m grateful for, trying not to repeat things. I think I’ve missed maybe two days in that time.

I started on Black Friday, 2013. My year started out pretty well, but I sort of got into a bit of a funk. As part of trying to make some positive changes, I took the advice of several people from books and videos and started writing some things down.

Usually, it’s one of the first few things I do after I wake up. I write down at least five things, but I’ve written more on a few occasions when it was really flowing.

I don’t just list five things, though. I write out “I’m grateful for/that…” for every single thing. I can’t remember where I heard it first, but I’ve read or heard it several times that the more senses you involve in something, the more impact it has on your mind. That’s why you remember more from lectures when you take notes.

I took a lot of things in life for granted for a long time. I wanted to change that, so everyday I reinforce my gratitude for life.

Here are five extra for today.

1. I’m grateful for my blog as an outlet for some of my thoughts.

2. I’m grateful for how my education helped for my writing ability.

3. I’m grateful for being able to share the beauty of some of the places I go and things I see through photos.

4. I’m grateful for the ability to make conscious choices to create my life.

5. I’m grateful for you.