Growth and Gratitude Journal

Growth and Gratitude Journal Created by Kami Ahmadi

Copyright © 2021 Kami Ahmadi www.simplestrandoflove.com All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission.

ISBN: 9798724789264

Introduction Starting our day in the right frame of mind is important.

There are habits that can set us up for success in our daily life. A few that stand out as particularly important: daily prayer and spiritual nourishment, personal reflection, and pausing to appreciate what there is to be grateful for in this moment of life. It was in practicing these daily habits myself that I realized how useful a tool that facilitates this would be, inspiring me to create the Growth and Gratitude Journal.

We do not have to wait for the beginning of a new year to make changes in our lives, each day has the promise of a new start, a fresh beginning full of possibilities. Growth does not have to be big, scary steps, in fact small, consistent ones may actually lead to greater change in the long run. To operate in a mode of learning requires that we get comfortable with uncertainty; with the idea that failure is a part of growth, as long as we strive to do our best and rely on God in the process; that our efforts should come from a place of intentional, thoughtful action, and followed up with reflection on the process and outcome, so that further growth can occur. This journal was created with the intent of supporting this kind of focus and systematic growth.

Every day of this journal begins with reflection on an inspiring quote from the Bahá’í writings, which provides strategies for personal and spiritual growth that can create a more coherent, meaningful, and fulfilling life. On most days reflection prompts on the quotes are offered, but you are by no means limited to those questions, they are simply a starting point; likewise the quotes are not intended to replace your own daily study and exploration of the writings. This is followed with a gratitude practice—a practice that psychology research has shown can increase happiness, improve health and well-being, strengthen our ability to deal with adversity, and even enhance our relationships. There is always something to be grateful for, even if it is as small as a smile or hug from a loved one, or watching a beautiful sunset. In this practice of gratitude we can find joy and the energy to move through our day. There is space for daily reflection on our actions so that we can more consciously and systematically move along a path of growth, working towards making each day better than the last. It is here that we can observe change in our lives through implementing what we are learning.

Every day ends with a space for recording the names of anyone who you want to pray for, as well as room for extra notes and thoughts.

In addition to the daily journaling, there are weekly reflection pages, and, at the end, a quarterly reflection space to offer a longer term perspective of the growth achieved.

I hope that this journal will serve as a useful tool in your life journey.

Date

Quote

Therefore strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers. Turn towards God, and seek always to do that which is right and noble. Enrich the poor, raise the fallen, comfort the sorrowful, bring healing to the sick, reassure the fearful, rescue the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless, shelter the destitute!

—‘Abdu’l‑Bahá [1] Reflections: How do I turn my actions into prayers, into praise, and into worship of God? What special actions can I take today, even if just a small act of kindness?

In my gratitude I can find joy and energy to move through my day. What am I grateful for today?

Reflections on my growth: what did I do well yesterday, what can I improve on?

Who do I want to say a special prayer for today?

Notes for the day

Date

Quote

Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been received by thee, as intoned by them who have drawn nigh unto Him, that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own soul, and attract the hearts of all men.

—Bahá’u’lláh [2]

Reflections: How do my daily prayers impact my life?

In my gratitude I can find joy and energy to move through my day. What am I grateful for today?

Reflections on my growth: what did I do well yesterday, what can I improve on?

Who do I want to say a special prayer for today?

Notes for the day

Date

Quote

Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of his chamber, the verses revealed by God, the scattering angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the fragrance of the words uttered by his mouth, and shall cause the heart of every righteous man to throb. Though he may, at first, remain unaware of its effect, yet the virtue of the grace vouchsafed unto him must needs sooner or later exercise its influence upon his soul. Thus have the mysteries of the Revelation of God been decreed by virtue of the Will of Him Who is the Source of power and wisdom.—Bahá’u’lláh [3]

Reflections: How do my daily prayers impact other’s lives?

In my gratitude I can find joy and energy to move through my day. What am I grateful for today?

Reflections on my growth: what did I do well yesterday, what can I improve on?

Who do I want to say a special prayer for today?

Notes for the day

Date

Quote

Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth. —Bahá’u’lláh [4] Reflections: If the power of the Word of God has such strength to heal and energize, am I incorporating it into my daily personal study and reflection to ensure that I continue to attract this power into my life? Am I sharing it with my family and friends so that they too benefit?

In my gratitude I can find joy and energy to move through my day. What am I grateful for today?

Reflections on my growth: what did I do well yesterday, what can I improve on?

Who do I want to say a special prayer for today?

Notes for the day

End of this sample.

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