Do you keep a gratitude journal that you habitually write in while cozied up with your tea or coffee? Or do you wish you had the time and diligence to keep one? Have you ever tried one because you know it’s good for you and the thought of writing neatly in pretty journals sounds awesome?
I tried one a few years ago and it really didn’t work for me. I think I only liked the thought of it. This year, though, I discovered a new way, one that works for me. If you are looking for a different take on the gratitude journal take a look at how I incorporated my photography here.
I discovered my daily photography is my gratitude journal. Something that Brene Brown describes as necessary to become wholehearted. So instead of writing cozied up with a blanket, hot cup of tea and a gorgeous journal, I am chasing my kids or the light to capture something I love and am grateful for. And I love it.
For me, keeping a record of gratefulness means seeing it in my everyday life and capturing it with a button, and before you write me off, I really want you to see how it works. One of my favorite street photographers, Marius Vieth, talks about creating great images by allowing ourselves to love and display that love in a video that explains it so well and so quickly. It’s also a good lesson in how to capture emotions in a photo. Check it out here it’s worth it.
The thing is you don’t have to be a professional photographer or even exceptionally great at it. All you really need is the tool you use to capture images. For some it’s a camera, others it’s a phone. You are probably already capturing images, and they are probably things you want to remember. You are part of the way there! Now, start looking at why you love what you are capturing and think about what in the frame encapsulates that love, then shoot.
The Gratitude Challenge
So, what can I do to get you started on a photography journey of gratitude? A challenge!
A challenge to get you started taking photos everyday, to get you seeing what you love, and to get you printing those photos together into an album to memorialize those things that you are grateful for. This is something you will do for yourself, but the best part is you can include your family and friends. It doesn’t take extra time away from them or anyone else. Capture them, capture the world around you, get out and capture something you know will make you happy. I wouldn’t blame you for capturing that doughnut either.
I’ve found it is much easier at times to get my photos in when there is a prompt. Without prompts there is too much out there to capture, which is confusing and overwhelming. So I’m giving you some prompts to help you capture what might be grateful to you. Don’t feel like you have to use them, and definitely don’t feel like you have to do them in order. If you like, use it as a scavenger hunt – see if you can collect all 30 days. But no one’s counting if you got them all! If you lose a day, no worries, pick up the next day.
It’s also a reason to get on Instagram and show off your stuff! Use the hashtag #gratefulbreadcrumbs. If you post it using the hashtag, you might be featured here on Discovering Breadcrumbs or on Instagram! And if you really aren’t into photography, or even Instagram, or you prefer writing, then use Twitter with the same hashtag, no picture necessary!
Think about it, you’ll be taking photos everyday of things you love while infusing your creativity with your heart. Plus! It’s fun and you’ll probably meet some new IG friends!
Free Album Template
If you’ve made it this far, then I have a little something extra for you too. An album template for you to put your photos in then have printed. You need to print these!
The template is very simple because I believe for a project like this you want to let the photos shine on their own. I left room for text because of course some people are writers and some photos deserve words. You can download the template for free by signing up here:
I am super excited to see what you put out there!
Go get signed up for your free album template and a download of the daily prompts!