“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” – Melody Beattie
We are constantly bombarded by bad or not so good news, political discord, catastrophic world events on a daily basis. Our thoughts are powerful things.
They can instantly set off a chain reaction of overflowing, overwhelming emotions (one of the many reasons why it is important for us to be aware when we need need to go on digital negativity detox).
The antidote to our unhappiness isn’t the newest thing, the latest iPhone or Macbook, or the next achievement.
The antidote is gratitude.
Why Gratitude Journal?
When you have positive thoughts and interactions, it’s easier to focus on what matters. That may be spending time with your family, traveling, or writing. Positive interactions free you up to have the energy to do what matters to you.
When we keep a gratitude journal, we start to becoming grateful for things we observe, rather than things we expect.
New to the journal world? Don’t be fret, find out more on how you can start here!
Gratitude Journal Prompt
I have gathered a list of 40 gratitude journal prompts to inspire you:
- What has made you laugh out loud in the last week?
- Write about a podcast where the host feels like a friend.
- What is your favourite part of your day?
- What gift have you gotten in the last year that brings joy to your life?
- Write about a time someone helped you through a difficult situation.
- What was the scariest challenge you’ve overcome? Write about how you overcame it.
- What is a mistake that you have made, which ultimately led to a positive experience?
- Describe a family tradition that you are most grateful for.
- Who is a teacher or mentor that has made an impact on your life and how did they help you?
- What is one something you’ve learned this week that you’re thankful for?
- What do other people like about you?
- List 10 ways you can share your gratitude with other people in the next 24 -48 hours.
- How is your life more positive today than it was a year ago?
- List 10 skills you have that most people don’t possess.
- Describe the last time someone helped you solve a problem at work.
- What is your favourite part of your daily routine?
- What body part or organ are you most grateful for today? (e.g., your ears because you get to listen to the sound of nature and music)
- What is a major lesson that you learned from your job?
- List 10 qualities you like about yourself.
- What are a few ways you can appreciate your health whenever you’re sick?
- List 10 things you have now that you didn’t have 5 years ago.
- What is something positive you can learn from one of your negative qualities? (i.e. Being anxious means you’re really good at planning things out.)
- What is a small win that you accomplished in the past 24 hours?
- What is a personal viewpoint that positively defines you as a person?
- Describe a small, everyday thing that you enjoy with a special person in your life.
- How have you recently cared for your physical wellbeing?
- How have you recently cared for your mental wellbeing?
- Write about a challenging person in your life (i.e. someone you frequently disagree with) and the qualities you like about this person.
- What is something that comes easily to you, but is challenging for others?
- What makes you happy when you’re feeling down?
- Look around the room and list all the items that you’re grateful for.
- What freedoms are you most grateful for?
- List 10 major life accomplishments that you’re proud to have achieved.
- How have you helped others?
- What makes you feel strong?
- What are you grateful for that hasn’t happened?
- When you feel overwhelmed, what beliefs keep you going?
- List simple daily pleasure that you are grateful for.
- How do you love to move your body?
- Where do you feel gratitude in your body?
Inhale deeply, absorb some sunshine, feel the wind brushing on your skin, and remember, there are many others who would be incredibly thankful to be where you are today.
Despite it all, you are absolutely blessed.
With love and gratitude,
