Gratitude Journal

I recently discovered this wonderful blog called the Dating Divas, and I must say it is a must read for anyone in a relationship. Please enjoy!

"Several years ago, I was watching an episode of Oprah (BTW…I really miss her). The entire episode was on having gratitude in our daily lives. Oprah talked about keeping a regular journal solely about “being grateful.”  I immediately tried this idea and soon found that I LOVED it. Each week (about 2- 3 times), I would take 5 minutes and quickly jot down ten things I was thankful for. At first, I had to stop and really think. However, after doing this for a few weeks my lists got bigger and more detailed. I soon found myself counting my blessings and having an overall better attitude.

So, in my gratitude journal,  I make sure I list at least two things or more about my husband that I am thankful for each week. I find when I focus more on the things I LOVE and appreciate about him, I am less likely to focus on the little things that may arise.

I bought a journal in the $1 section at Michaels. This is a quick and easy thing I do a few times each week, but I have found has a great impact on my attitude and outlook about my marriage and life.

What are you most thankful for about your spouse? - Corie"

"What Happens to Love After the Marriage?"

I have noticed over the years that couples are getting divorced and separating left and right and it makes me wonder what happened to people staying together until death do them part, like the long lasting marriages of our grandparents. Perhaps it is a lack of communication or an unwillingness to view things from their spouses viewpoint.

Author, Gary Chapman, says it best in his New York Times Best Seller, The Five Love Languages:  "There are five love languages or five ways that people speak and understand emoptional love, and not until one learns to speak their spouse's primary love language will they discover the key to a long lasting, loving marriage."

This wonderfully written book is commonly used in marriage counseling classes of which I highly encourage each of my couples to take as it is one of the greatest investments you will ever invest in...Forever Love!