Gratitude journal prompts provide perfect inspiration for writing gratitude lists. They’re a fantastic addition to your regular journaling practice for nurturing positive emotions and a thankful mindset.
What Are Gratitude Journal Prompts?
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Practicing gratitude is one of the most valuable aspects of journaling there is, and if you’re unsure where to start, using daily gratitude prompts for your bullet journal can be a really helpful tool.
Gratitude is conscious reframing of your circumstances to a more positive perspective.
If you’re new to journaling, gratitude journaling prompts are a perfect introduction to journaling, focusing on the concept of being thankful and helping you to appreciate the good in your life.
In this post I’ll share a selection of ideas for different ways of practicing gratitude, and at the end of the post you’ll find free printable gratitude journal templates to print and use at home.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the act of being consciously thankful. It means seeing past the things that may not be perfect, and appreciating the good things. It means understanding that no matter your situation, life could always be worse – and being glad that it’s not.
It is, essentially, conscious reframing of your circumstances, to a more positive perspective.
Gratitude is so incredibly powerful because it rewires your brain to default to a more optimistic state of mind.
Gratitude and How It Can Change Your Life
Practicing gratitude is the single most powerful way to increase positivity. It has changed my outlook, and my life.
In the last few years, I’ve been very focused on living a more positive life. The foundation of the mindset required for increased positivity is appreciating what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t. Writing down those reasons as journal entries is a valuable and fortifying process, organically developing feelings of gratitude.
I’ve never been a great diary writer. But keeping a simple journal in which to jot down ideas, inspiring thoughts, and reasons to be grateful has very positive effects on my peace of mind.
The way I choose to express gratitude is via a daily gratitude habit. Making simple lists, noting down some of the many things I’m grateful for, and different writing prompts are very useful inspiration for this purpose.
How to Use Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts For Increased Wellbeing
There are many benefits of gratitude but, in my experience, the best thing about practicing gratitude is its incredible capacity to increase positive thoughts and feelings of happiness – all without altering your circumstances.
A habit of gratitude is the single most powerful way to increase positivity and improve your mental health, and it’s as important to wellbeing as your physical health is.
Having a heart of gratitude has changed my outlook, and improved my quality of life.
If you’re interested in journaling but are unsure where to begin, you may like to read my post about getting started with mindful journaling first.
Alternatively, jump straight in with this list of journal prompts and gratitude exercises, which I’ve put together to help get you started with creating an attitude of gratitude around the positive things in your life!
Don’t forget to grab your free gratitude worksheets at the end of this post.
63 Gratitude Journal Prompts For Improved Happiness
- Every single day I’m grateful for…
- What are the values that you most cherish in a friend? Now write down the names of the friends you’re lucky to have because they have these qualities.
- My favorite smell is… Write about a happy memory associated with five different scents that make you happy.
- Five of my happiest memories are…
Name the people in your life who make you happiest, and a happy memory associated with each one.
- Write a paragraph about why you love each season of the year.
- Do you have any calming rituals? Write about it and why you find comforting. If you don’t, create one now! (I hear journaling is good…)
- Write about the highlight of your day.
- Name the people in your life who make you happiest, and a happy memory associated with each one.
- My three most precious possessions are… because…
- The best piece of advice I ever heard is… because…
- List five songs or pieces of music that make you smile. Write down why they are meaningful to you.
- Write about a time when a stranger did something kind for you.
- Write about a time when you did something kind for a stranger.
Gratitude Prompts For Happy Memories
- Describe favorite memory of your childhood best friend.
- What’s your favorite memory of school?
- Write about your best ever Christmas.
Write about a time you felt truly at peace.
- Describe the birthday that made you feel most cherished. Who was there, what happened, how did you feel?
- Write about your happiest childhood memory.
- Write about your best memory of your childhood pet/s.
- Think about your childhood home, and write down five things you loved about the house, the location, or that time of your life.
- What’s your most precious memory of your mother / mother figure?
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- What’s your most precious memory of your father / father figure?
- What’s your most precious memory of your grandparents / grandparent figures?
- Write about a time you felt truly at peace. Where were you, who were you with, what were you doing, how did you feel?
Challenging Gratitude Writing Prompts
One of the most difficult aspects of gratitude practice is when you’re being asked to dig deep and find gratitude, even in immense pain. It may feel insulting, and impossible.
But, reaching this point is a huge step – one which will help you to achieve a more peaceful life.
Here are some more challenging gratitude prompts:
- Write about a challenging event in your life, and how it strengthened your resilience.
- Think of a friend, lover, or family member you have loved deeply and lost. Write a gratitude list all of the things you loved about them.
- How did this person positively influence your life?
- Describe one of your happiest memories with this person.
- What positive lesson did this person teach you, either directly or indirectly?
- Think about the pandemic. List any positive ways your life has changed since it began.
- What positive lessons have you learned from the pandemic?
- Write down a favorite thing you will never again take for granted since the pandemic. Now see if you can come up with at least four more.
- How have you changed for the better as a result of the pandemic?
- Think about a difficult time in your life. Write down at least five things that have improved for you since then.
More Gratitude Journal Ideas
- Think of your favorite people in the world, and write an ‘ingredients’ list for each of them, eg. one part positive, one part kindness, one part loyalty, and a dash of hope.
Write about a time you were not at your best, and a loved one stuck by you anyway.
- What do other people like about you? Is it a quality you’re proud of?
- Who do you take for granted? Write down how you could you show them that they’re greatly appreciated.
- Who can you always rely on, day or night, no matter what? Write them a letter thanking them.
- Write down the things in your life that you would be stuck without, and that you’re truly grateful to have.
- Write about a time you were not at your best, and a loved one stuck by you anyway. Do they know how grateful you are? Write them a letter.
- What’s your favorite hobby? Why?
My happy place where I go to feel calm, balanced, and at peace is…
- Think about a difficult time in your life. How is your life more positive now?
- Who has gone out of their way to help you recently? Write down what you might be able to do to show your gratitude.
- Write down a piece of wisdom you live your life by. Who shared it with you? Are you still in contact, and do they know how big an influence they have been on your life?
- When were you last people-watching, perhaps in a cafe, and saw something that made you smile? Write about what happened.
- What things in your life cause you anxiety or stress? Write down strategies to overcome these irritations, and then reframe into a more positive mindset. For example, ‘I find getting the children ready for the school run stressful. I could get up ten minutes earlier or pack their lunches the night before to make our mornings run more smoothly. I’m grateful that my children attend a good school, and that it’s in walking distance.
- My happy place where I go to feel calm, balanced, and at peace is… Create a plan to visit regularly.
Who last made you cry with laughter or spit out your tea?
- What do you love about your job?
- Write about your family traditions. If you don’t have any, create one now! For example, family film night on a Friday after school/work.
- Write about your family Christmas traditions. If you don’t have any, create one now! For example, a Christmas Eve box, or a particular breakfast on Christmas morning.
- Who last made you cry with laughter or spit out your tea? Write about what happened and make a plan to see them soon!
- Write a bucket list of things you’d like to try in your lifetime – and plan to do at least one this year.
- Who has, formally or informally, been a mentor to your in your personal or private life? Write a letter to them (you don’t have to send it), telling them the ways they’ve positively influenced your life.
- What lesson have you learned recently that you’re thankful for?
- Some of my favorite quotes are… because…
Favorite Gratitude Journal Ideas
- What’s your favorite time of day? Why?
- My favorite food / favorite meal is…
- My favorite place is…
- My favorite song is…
- My favorite book is…
- My favorite person is…
- My favorite holiday is…
- My favorite sound is…
Free Printable Gratitude Journal Prompts
Want these free gratitude journal prompts to print out at home? Grab your free printables from the resources library.
Where do you get the free printables?
Hi,
Printables are available under Resources.
Thanks,
Kate
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