GRATITUDE BANK

I was in in a very dark place: stressed out, which led to deep depression, anxiety, etc.  How much more can I take? I felt totally broken, what should I do?  I prayed for an answer then heard about a Gratitude Bank w/ meditation music. First thing each morning I’m grateful for waking up. I write this daily on one of the black grateful cards and place it in the bank.  Believe me, I was astonished when things seem to be changing.  Depression was being replaced with peace, no more headaches and my joy has returned.  I will continue using the Gratitude Bank and advise anyone who suffers with depression, anxiety or simply want to restore joy to use it.  Negative thoughts no longer live here!

Student 1: 7th grade female, split family household, has dealt with anxiety, depression, anger etc. She likes to be on her phone and uses it as an escape, but when told to write down things she is grateful for, she found it difficult. But in time – with a verbal check in, she’s opened-up more with me about personal matters and is now able to express at least 2 things she is thankful and appreciative for. She doesn’t tell me if she writes in her journal, but a verbal prompt confirms that she has thought about it.

Student 2: 6th grade female, parents are going through a divorce, she has been dealing with depression and not wanting to do anything. She was a late registrant, but I gave her my journal. She uses the book to draw and express herself and journal her day. With verbal check in, she was able to express more emotions rather than hiding her feelings.

We all hear about the concept of “gratitude” and how critical it is to our overall well-being as humans. In the case of Puzzled2020 gratitude journals and gratitude memory boxes, the word “critical” is an understatement! I have used both the journals and the memory boxes with my eighth grade Bronx English classes, other educators in NYC, as well as other open-minded adults struggling with memory loss, anxiety, depression, and an overall sense of ineptitude. As a before and after measure, I had all participants list and journal for five minutes each morning the things (both tangible and abstract) for which they were grateful. The overwhelming result for both adolescents and adults was an increased sense of emotional balance, unconditional positivity and a decreased interest in negative/toxic relationships or interactions that did not add some form of joy or edification to their lives. For the middle school community in which I work, this progress was extremely important to chronicle. We saw less fights, less hostility and increased positivity overall. The adults and adolescents alike are forever grateful to Puzzled2020 gift of gratitude as a means of mental, spiritual, and emotional healing. We are looking forward to her next steps in this very important study.

Picked up my gratitude journal a few weeks ago, and I’m about a week into using it. It’s been a helpful tool, especially on stressful days. Around lunch, I take a few minutes to vibe out with the music and think about what I’m grateful for. I’m recommending this to some folks in my circle.