6 takeaways from the #100days journalling exercise
On 1st June 2016, I made a decision to join the #100days bandwagon, and committed to journalling 3 things daily for the next 100 days — what I was grateful for, my fitness routine and actions for self-care.
What spurred my decision was the realization that I tended toward a negative outlook on life. I looked at the glass as half-empty, I whined about missed opportunities instead of celebrating successes, I didn’t handle difficult situations well, and I tended to view the world through my narrow perspective of what was NOT going well. After 36 years, I was ready for an improved outlook on life, and I was ready to devote the time to making that change.
And so I began day one on 1st June and recently completed the 100th day on 8 September. Throughout that time, I had days when I wrote faithfully every night or at least immediately the next morning, I had periods where I didn’t write anything for 3 days and had to quickly catch up on the 4th and I struggled at times, especially on difficult days when I believed I couldn’t find anything to be grateful about.
But despite the ups and downs, that simple act of journalling, of taking the time with pen and paper to write down a few lines about my day, DID make a difference.
- I could always find something to be grateful about each day: Even after a very long and tiring day, when I would normally just shut down in the evenings, I would always be able to write down something that made me happy or thankful. Whether it’s a kind word from someone, reading a good book or contemplating a line from scripture, it made such a huge difference in my day knowing that I could write down something good or positive that happened.
- Gratitude also comes with practice: Believe it or not, once I started identifying the positive events that happened each day, over time it became easier for me to spot more! By the time I completed 21 days, I began writing down several things that I was grateful for, instead of just one thing each day.
- The simplest actions and moments make the best memories: I soon began writing down moments that I normally take for granted as occasions that I was grateful for. A meal with my husband. A walk along the beach. Acts of kindness from friends and strangers alike.
- I am what I focus on: The more I paid attention to all that was positive and uplifting, the more my daily practice reshaped my outlook on the world and how I perceived myself. Seeking the silver lining has helped me feel more comfortable in where I am presently, and yet the daily practice has also become a guide for me to achieve and do more in my life.
- Daily initiative goes a long way: Whether it was a 25 minute brisk walk or 15 minutes attempting to master brush lettering, making time for something that mattered to me amidst the busyness of the day made all the difference. As part of the Fitness portion of my #100days practice, I would make it a point to incorporate stretching exercises at certain times throughout the workday. Thanks to that simple action, I now come home from work feeling better, without the usual aches that accompany sitting at a desk for long periods of time.
Overall, completing the#100days journalling exercise was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Making a commitment to write down even a couple of lines about how I experienced each day has helped me be more positive, achieve some goals (Yeay!), and actually, do more than what I thought I was limited to. The daily practice also helped me decide and prioritise what was important in my life.
In fact, I’ve been so happy with my experience and results over the past #100days that I continued past the 100-day mark.
Sometimes, the simplest things make a huge difference.