Pollyanna Wisdom

One of my favorite movies when I was a kid, and for years afterwards, is Pollyanna with Hayley Mills. This story seems to stress an appreciation for the basics...

• a home
• a room of one's own and a bed
• good food
• being able to love and be loved
• family or finding family
• friendships
• helping others
• an experience of community
• personal growth
• inquisitiveness
• positive thinking
• and gratitude for what you have

I cannot imagine this movie ever growing old and becoming out of date. These are the basics of any good life and what we all strive for. And... this list is a perfect reference for gratitude journal prompts.

Pollyanna is also a great teaching tool for introducing children to the concept of gratitude and positive thinking. Viewing the film or reading the book as a family, provides a wonderful springboard for conversation.

Links:
Pollyanna, the movie with Hayley Mills
Pollyanna, the book by Eleanor H. Porter

Gratitude Quote: Goodrich

"Gratitude doesn't change the scenery. It merely washes clean the glass you look through so you can clearly see the colors."                                             ~ by Richelle E. Goodrich

Our experience of the world around us changes when we become accustomed to viewing life through the eyes of gratitude. It alters our perception and our internal lens has a greater ability to focus on the good in our lives. Life itself and our environment appears so much more beautiful from that perspective.

The Wisdom of Wizard of Oz

Image from the 1939 M-G-M Studios movie classic, Wizard of Oz

The story of The Wizard of OZ is a timeless tale packed with life lessons: appreciating home and family, facing your fears, seeking your heart's desire, self discovery, the power of friendships, and the ability to find the answers within.

Here are 7 gratitude journal prompts based on the words and dialog of The Wizard of Oz.

1. "There's no place like home."
   What is it that you love and appreciate most about "home?"
2. "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more. We must be over the rainbow!"
   What life changes have added more "color" to your life? What has helped you shift your world from greys to more vibrant hues?
3. "Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high, There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow Skies are blue, And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true."
   What dreams, wishes, or hopes have become a reality in your life?
4. "I'd be tender, I'd be gentle, And awful sentimental, regarding love and art. I'd be friends with the sparrows and the boy that shoots the arrows, if I only had a heart..."
   Think of something that you or someone else has done out of the kindness of your/their heart.
5. "I could wile away the hours, Conferrin' with the flowers
   Consultin' with the rain, And my head I'd be scratchin',
   While my thoughts were busy hatchin', If I only had a brain..."
   Think of a "smart" decision you made, a solution found, or a new way of looking at something in your life.
6. "Follow the Yellow Brick Road"
   Think of an example of a time you followed the path in life which was truly your own. A time in which you did what felt right for you, moved in the direction of your dreams and desires, and were true to yourself.
7. "Lions, and Tigers, and Bears! Oh My!"
   What have you done in spite of your fears? Think of an incident where you were able to summon up the courage.

Week 10 - YOU: Weekly Gratitude Journal Prompts

Week 10: YOU
 
You spend all day and every day with yourself. There's no one who knows you better than you do. The focus of this week's gratitude journal prompts is on the many aspects of you to be grateful for. Spend time this week in appreciating who you are, your special qualities and abilities, and what makes you Uniquely YOU.

This is the tenth and last of the Weekly Gratitude Journal Prompts, at least for now.

Gratitude Journal Links
The Gratitude Habit Journal: http://tinyurl.com/TheGratitudeHabit
Parenting the Gratitude Habit: http://amzn.to/1SyRjpJ

Gratitude Quote: Ericksen

“I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, OR we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I'm going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity, and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.” ~ Mike Ericksen

What a beautiful quote by Mike Ericksen! We have the choice, every day, of how we will view the world and the presence of all we have in our lives. How do you choose to look at life?