I discovered this adorable journal on a recent shopping excursion.

I was drawn to the cover design and the words “in everything, give thanks” inscribed on the top.

So, I thumbed through the pages for a more in-depth investigation.

I read this page and knew that this little book, bound with gorgeously illustrated paper, was intended to be mine.

There are random quotes throughout, but this quote in particular tugged on my heart. 

It was a sign, a nudge, a whisper…

“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.” – Mary Jean Irion

Okay. Maybe it wasn’t so much a sign as it was a bunch of state troopers lined up with spike strips.  Maybe it wasn’t so much a nudge but a hard push from behind.  Not so much of a whisper but a “Hey girl! This is good. You need this tattooed on your forehead.”

So, I purchased it and plan to journal about what I am grateful for.  Because I am blessed.  Sometimes, I forget that.  All too easily I forget that.  So, I plan to remind myself over and over again. 

Because let’s face it, we could all use a reminder of the goodness in our lives.  I admit that sometimes I may inadvertently possess a ‘woe is me’ attitude.  I don’t mean to.  But it seems to be in our human nature to see what is wrong instead of what is right.  So, I intend to use this gratitude journal to focus on the good in my life and celebrate the extraordinary in the most simple moments.

In one of those simple yet extraordinary moments, my sweet boy recently shared his own words of prayer at bedtime. I immediately wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget. (Because, per the above, I sometimes do forget.)

Easton’s Prayer:

“Thank you God and Jesus for building us. Thank you for giving us the skills to build things. I love you God and Jesus. Amen.”

*heart melts*

I thought it rather fitting to make this prayer the first entry in my gratitude journal.

Blissfully blessed –