Mini Albums with Monika...Gratitude Journal (and a Giveaway!!!)

Hey everyone! This is Monika and I'm here with the November edition of my series Mini Albums With Monika.

 For the past several years, I have been keeping a Gratitude Journal. Several of my journals have been making the rounds on Pinterest, but if you're unfamiliar with what a Gratitude Journal is, it's very simple. I construct a mini book made from my pretty paper scraps adding in journaling spots and other interesting bits of paper items.

Then, each day, I record a short sentence about something in my day that made me smile or reminded me of the blessings in my life. Granted, there are also days when it is difficult to see goodness because I am frustrated, so I have also recorded those thoughts as well. And if I skip a day or two, that's okay. 

Know this, you will be doubly blessed when you read over your grateful thoughts at a later date. I have looked back over my journal from this year and I recorded thoughts that I had forgotten about until I reread them.

That alone is worth the few moments I take to slow down and think about what made me smile that day.

Supplies:Lost & Found 3-Ruby: Doily patterned paper,chipboard elements,sticker accessory sheet,stamps, decorative tape,6x6 pad;Lost & Found 3-Oliver: Yellow Honey patterned paper, Mixed Floral patterned paper,Collage patterned paper,6x6 pad,stamps,adornments,decorative tape,chipboard elements; Lucky in Love:patterned papers,6x6 pad;4x6 Accessories Pad;All is Bright-6x6 paper pad;Winter Wonderland:6x6 paper pad;Six by Six 2: My Favorite Things, Quilting Bee, Come Away with Me, A Mother's Love, School Daze

Now let the fun begin! I began by going through my paper collection and searching out scraps, then quickly moved on to my larger sheets of paper that had interesting design elements already incorporated into the design or that had a fun pattern on one side and a rather subdued pattern on the other side allowing my journaling to be seen.

You'll also want to grab several handfuls of journaling cards, tags and other items that can be adhered to those pages that have an overall design that complicate journaling directly on your patterned paper. 

Low on journaling cards? Let's make your own!

You could use almost any notebook to record your grateful thoughts, sure, but my reasoning is that with a journal as cute and inspiring as this one, who wouldn't want to sit down and flip through all that gorgeous paper to write?

Make plans to raid your paper stash and begin creating your journal today!

Here are some photos to inspire you to create. :)
And now the part you have all been waiting for...I'm thrilled to share with you that My Mind's Eye is giving away this very Gratitude Journal to one lucky commenter. All you have to do is share a simple thought with us of one thing you're grateful for in your life.

I'll start...How lovely it is to have a husband that prepares breakfast each and every Sunday for our family...his biscuits are WAY better than mine ever hoped to be!

Contest is open internationally...comments remain open until Monday,November 5. One winner will be chosen and posted on Tuesday,November 6.

I'm so grateful that you stopped by to read today. Hope you are staying safe and warm in this crazy weather.

P.S. I've created a PDF for all of you with some Gratitude Journal tips and ideas. Just save and print or drag and drop....enjoy!