Gratitude journal

I already shared with you all that my word for 2012 is Gratitude. In addition to wearing my word around my neck, I have been looking for other ways to explore the concept of gratitude. Shortly after I discovered my word (because that's what happens for me. I don't make up a word, it just comes to me!) I created a pinterest board for gratitude. Every day I find more things to pin there, quotes, thoughts, things to be thankful for.

Recently, I discovered a new book by author Debbie Macomber called One Perfect Word. In it, she describes her process for choosing a perfect word for each year. She gives ideas for exploring your word each year and shares some of the words she has chosen over the years and how they have impacted her life. It's a wonderful read and I highly recommend it! Needless to say, I have begun to think about new ways to incorporate my word into my daily life. The first thing I have done is to purchase a small journal with blank pages and a new package of colorful sharpie markers.

 I plan to write many of the gratitude quotes I have found on some of the pages. Beginning with this one...

 Other pages will feature things that I am grateful for. Of course the first one features my wonderful husband and children.

 Every year I use a Mary Engelbreit day by day calendar in my kitchen. I thought this calendar page was perfect to use in my journal. I love her cheerful sentiments and I'm guessing there will be more that fit my theme as the year goes on.

Have you discovered a word to explore this year? It's not too late! What are you doing to celebrate your word? I'd love to hear your ideas.