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Gratitude and Compliments Diary

When life gets tough, and it has, I double down on my self-care tools.Ā I’ve been using a 5-Minute Gratitude Journal because it’s a quick, simple exercise that reminds me of the many good things in my life that I often take for granted. What I’ve also been using is a compliments diary for self-care.

When it feels like the world has gone crazy, this helps bring my focus back to where it should be.

Gratitude and Compliments Diary

I used to just write in a little notepad, but I like that this one prompts me to date it. For some reason, I take this one more seriously and so use itĀ more often.

I’ve also begun keeping a compliments diary. It’s a great way to retrain our inner voice and embrace what’s fabulous about ourselves. I just use a pretty notebook and record positive comments and compliments I’ve received from others, plus ones I’ve given.

Women I work with aren’t aware of how often they criticize their bodies! It’s their normal. The problem is that when you say negative things about yourself, it hurts you!

It’s as if they want to say it, in case anyone else is thinking it! Dumb. You wouldn’t let someone else talk that way about you. So why let yourself do it? That critical inner dialogue is poisonous!

It’s not healthy, and it needs to change.

Examples-

“My thighs are huge, and pants look horrible on me.”

“My legs are strong and long. Skirts look best on me.”

“I just hate how fat my middle has gotten.”

“Menopause has added pounds around my middle. I need to look for tunics that flow and highlight my pretty, thin wrists with bracelets.”

You get the idea. Try it. Let’s change that voice in our heads that says critical things about ourselves. Compliment yourself more often. You deserve it! And while you’re at it, compliment the women you come into contact with. We all need to be appreciated, and compliments are contagious.

25 Comments

  1. Wonderful advice. I need a gratitude journal. I feel so much better when I focus on the positive!

  2. Gratitude lists are a regular part of my life, but I think I now need to incorporate a compliments journal – brilliant idea!

  3. As a therapist, I get a daily dose of being grateful whatever problems I have are what they are. Great reminders Jennifer and way to go on those positive reframes!

  4. Wonderful advice Jennifer. It’s easy to think negatively as we age, but then there are so many incredible things that get better as we get older. It’s great that you’ve disciplined yourself to write in your journal everyday and it’s such a beautiful book.

  5. You are amazing Jennifer, these are such great ideas for all women. We need to all change our self talk to exuberant thoughts about ourselves and yes compliments!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Carrier and Company

    1. Thanks Karen! Yes our self talk needs to supporting ammd kinder. This is a great way to retrain it!
      XXX

  6. Love this idea, Jen!! A compliments journal is something I’ve never heard of before. In the end, it’s all about gratitude, isn’t it? I do keep a file of ‘inspirations’- notes, positive review & thank yous from parents, teachers, administrators & students in my desk drawer at work for when I need a boost. You are so clever! I hope things are looking a little brighter by now. Has fall arrived in your neighborhood yet?
    xx, Heather

    1. It’s finally cooling off here so I’m in closet rotation time.
      Gratitude is so important. The compliments are to retrain that inner dialogue and help us be kinder to ourselves.
      So glad Scott came through his surgery well!!
      XX

  7. I think an important corollary to this is to go out of our way to compliment each other when we see something lovely. As much as I sometimes struggle to find true Chic Sightings in downtown Chicago, on every block I can always spot a woman who’s made a bit of effort and who looks beautiful. My job is to TELL HER THAT, and not let her go through her day unappreciated.

    1. Exactly Janice. I love to compliment other women. They need to hear it so badly and I feel so great doing it!

  8. I have written a Gratitude Journal for years. I rise an hour early every day and put pen to paper to record all that is good. Sets a tone for the day and for that, I am grateful. But simply love the Compliment Diary as well. I am guilty as charged when it comes to self criticism. I need to flex my compassion muscle when it comes to my appearance and your idea has given me a needed reminder to lift a compliment in my own direction. I will start today and do a One-a-Day approach. Thank you for the inspiration.

    1. I’m so glad you like the idea! I have found it very therapeutic. I also try to give compliments to others during the day. What I send out comes back to me!
      XX

  9. Such great thoughts, Jennifer. Cultivating gratitude is good for one’s soul and mental outlook. Changing the criticisms to compliments is something I can definitely work on.

    1. I’m glad to hear it Lorrie. Get that inner voice to be your loving supporter!

  10. I needed this so badly today. Had an earth-shattering, horrible, rotten, soul cracking day yesterday and am needing to hunker down in stillness and remember gratitude and grace.
    Thank you. Thank you. In so many ways – writing can help heal.

    1. Writing does help and the prayers of friends. Sending love!
      XX

  11. This is a good reminder for me, Jennifer. Though I am totally grateful for my home and family and good health, sometimes I’m angry that I have sun damage on my legs. BUT they are still trim and if I wear tights or pants I’m good to go. I guess it’s all about finding the best options. I am grateful for my smile and a mind that still can understand the importance of being grateful.

    1. That’s what I mean Beth! Focus on the positive and compliment yourself. It’s so empowering!

  12. Wonderful post today Jennifer! Love the idea of noting compliments — we all could benefit from focusing on them more.
    Kimberly XO

    1. All those around us could too! Focusing on abundance, gratitue and complimenting ourselves is so uplifting! Chat soon!!

  13. Judy Heyman says:

    Love your post today. I have been doing my Gratitude meditTion for a month now I love how it changes ones perception of life. How can I get in touch with you to work with you?

  14. I was birthday shopping for my SON yesterday and received THREE compliments in the MEN’s Department!!!IT had been raining all night so I did not DO my usual attire but more casual……..I did PACK on the NECKLACES!
    My thought to MYSELf……….wouldn’t it be FUN to see how many compliments one gets in a day then to write them down on a calendar or a notebook to keep track.
    Here you are speaking of writing and compliments!AMAZING how WE have similar thoughts!
    By the WAY!Yesterday on Instagram I was “ENNOBLED and DIEFIELD” by a REAL COUNT!YOU will be RIDING with a REAL CONTESSA tomorrow to meet TISH!!!!Just thought I should prep YOU as I may ARRIVE in a TIARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Let’s just say LOTS OF LAUGHS and YES< it made my DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1. Complimentas are so powerful and under utilazed in our society. We need to start with our selves and spread the love!
      XX

  15. So true Jennifer! Although you will never have to say that about your middle…and tho I envy that tiny waist of yours in all your photos I am very grateful for my trim legs that look great with skinny jeans and boots to balance the tunics!

    1. That’s the way Kathleen. We need to focus on complimenting ourselves and change that inner voice!!

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