A simple 1-2-3 diary

Often we fill our diary, it might be difficult to find any ‘free’ time. But does it actually help us? Our diary is one that defines our day but does not allow us to really flourish. This simple 1-2-3 diary idea does exactly that.

We met with the mental health practitioners from Glasgow’s Southside MH Team as part of our LADLE initiative, as we do every month. On this occasion we discussed how to have a positive diary. Diaries come in so many variations these days, so they could be expensive – not this one.

What exactly did go well for us?

After a busy day, the last thing we may want to do is to reflect back on everything that has happened. When it just might be the help we need. What exactly did go well for us?

Immediately we might be baulked by that question as we are ‘wired’ that we shouldn’t promote ourselves, or take pride in what we do. Those who go to Church have been told for decades that we are all ‘sinners’ and ‘need to repent’. ‘Give our faults to God’. When God is asking us to walk alongside, be in relationship, and to flourish as we are truly wonderfully made.

So, back to that question: What exactly did go well for us?

If someone has praised us, thanked us, or just smiled at what we might have done, we need to acknowledge this – not dismiss it. We could write that down, let it sit with us, and recognise that we are doing ok – yes we really are doing ok, as someone else recognised that.

We can easily minimise what we have done. As someone mentioned “Thoughts can be negative” – we need positivity.

From the Glasgow Wellbeing Positive Diary:

Keep a daily log of activities which suggest or confirm your personal positive qualities (personality traits, characteristics, strengths), or times when you’ve shown or felt a personal positive quality. Write them down! It’s easy to dismiss or minimise positives, as we tend to filter out the positives and only notice the negatives. Notice that your mind does that, then write what actually happened.

Examples of personal positive qualities: kind, gentle, strong, resilient, caring, assertive, hard-working, reliable, honest, practical, responsible, loyal, mature, creative, consistent, appreciative, capable, quick, sensitive, perceptive, patient, thoughtful, fit, trustworthy, shows initiative, motivated, versatile, educated, willing, experienced, efficient, open-minded, logical, serious, supportive, resourceful, realistic, funny, punctual, friendly, humane – and many others!

Jotter/Notepad – something you can easily find

Let’s start. Keep this up daily – but if you can’t manage that – just go a day at a time. If we miss a day, we start again the next day. Importantly we start to see the positivity in our life.

Prayer – Examen

We looked at prayer and in particular the Examen a few years ago. It is a reflective review of the day/week – you choose the time period – and sit with God. It isn’t about punishment, but reviewing where we are and moving forward – positivity. Just look at the first step and the thumb prayer!