Two years ago I started recording all the positive things that happen in my life. I was stuck in a rut, depressed and angry, so I knew I needed a change. Manifestation was an interesting concept for me, especially because the gurus constantly preached the need for you to remain positive and grateful. At the time, I thought it was all bull, but when nothing else is working, you try anything.

Gratitude is the number one buzz word in the world of manifestation, and annoyed as I felt, I gave it a go. I wrote down all the good things I had in my life, starting with the most basic stuff like ‘I live in a house. I have a bed.’ I was so negative that I could find a hundred issues with said house and bed, but I still had them. I knew I had to start there and build my way up.

Now, two years later, my list is packed with amazing experiences and opportunities. I’ve included some examples below, added whenever I get the chance (or remember to do so)!

• 15/08/25 – Got our rental house! I’m on the lease too, so I can begin growing my rental history. It’s in a great area, and I’m super chuffed with how everything turned out.
• 26/02/26 – Super anxious about going to the Marina concert tonight, but it was awesome. Met a cool group of ladies about my age and we chatted together and enjoyed the concert as a group.
• 24-26/08/26 – Melbourne Trip! Toured around the MCG which was awesome, stayed in a gorgeous AirBnB, got some amazing clothes! (green leather jacket, two dresses, jeans and a new top), and had so much delicious food, got some great blog content and posts. Flights were super easy. Met up with Lea for lunch on Wednesday

As you can see, these are short and sweet, without too much fluff. I just make notes of the highlights that happened, how they made me feel, and any times my little hopes and prayers were answered.

I am too honest for my own good most of the time, so there are a few entries that include the not-so-great aspects of my life too. However, I kind of like looking back on this, to see both the ups and the downs. It makes the wins more exciting, but also shows that even when there are good things happening, we can still struggle:

• 18/01/26 Gabba night watching the Brisbane Heat play against the Sydney Sixes. We lost but I got to see some of the test players too: Khawaja, Neser, Marnus, Steve Smith and Starc. Good night out.
• 9/02/26 – Dentist today, not such great news (expensive work to be done on my teeth). The ladies said I smell really nice, and we got along well. Had some nice finds at TK Maxx too.
• 2/04/26 – My literary agent decided to part ways with me today, as she doesn’t believe she is able to sell this manuscript. She also said that these publishers really prefer writers with large audiences on social media. I’m not too upset, it’s nothing I didn’t already know. Hoping that this is another win somehow, rather than a setback.

It’s taught me a lot about being grateful for the all the things I get to experience in my life, good and bad. As you can see, there is a mix, but even with the rough news there are often positives.

This practise of writing down all the little wins means I’m focusing on them more than the negatives. Shifting your perspective is not always easy, but it is just that: a practise. Something you have to repeat over and over until you are serviceable at it, then over and over until you become good or even an expert.

I think everyone should have their own ‘Blessings’ list, so they too can track all the good in their life. Having such a list gives you good memories to look back on, big and small, and it reminds you that there are always positives to be found.

I can’t say I’m always happy now, but I can say I’m finding more things to be happy about. Almost every day there is something good to add, which is very encouraging. I like adding things to my list, to keep the daily streak alive too!

Most importantly, this list has pushed me to create more positives for myself. I’m not just looking for good things to come into my life, I’m also seeking out opportunities too. My ‘Melbourne Trip’ example is one of these. We wanted to go down and do a few different things for my sister’s birthday celebration, so we planned it and made it happen. Further, I got to write about the experiences on my blog and reach a bunch of new readers. Net-positive for everyone!

Adding to the list doesn’t take long, and it is a refreshing way to shift your perspective about your every day life.

Takeaways:

• Practising gratitude requires daily effort. Look for the good and record it often by trying to keep a steak. Doing so will train your mind to finding the positives frequently.
• Looking for the good will inspire you to make better plans for yourself too. Knowing you have good experiences on the way will make you more hopeful and joyful.
• Let this be an imperfect process. Take quick notes of the little things as well as the big ones. Write as much or as little as you want.

So, get your notes app out now and get started. I’m sure there is at least one good thing that happened to you this week. Write the date and a little description, then get to looking for your next addition!

Add your first entry in the comments below, I’d love to hear what’s going right for you today!

Until next time! x