- tags
§ Self-Development
- Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal
- Writing once or twice per week is better than writing every day
- Gratitude Journal | Practice | Greater Good in Action
- 15 minutes
- write down up to 5 for which you feel grateful
- they can be little things or a big deal
- tips:
- be specific
- go for depth over breadth
- get personal. focusing on people is better than on things
- try subtraction, not addition. consider bad things you’ve avoided or how your life could have been worse. don’t take good fortune for granted
- see good things as “gifts.”
- savor surprises
- revise if you repeat. you can repeat with the same thing or people, but cover another detail about them
- commit and write regularly
- don’t overdo it (1-3 times per week is better than every day)
- How to Start a Gratitude Journal You’ll Actually Keep | Shutterfly
- prompts
- Write about a time you were grateful for something a loved one did for you.
- List three silly things your kids did today.
- What are three ways to thank someone without saying “thank you”?
- What is something that makes you unique that you’re grateful for?
- Look out the window, what’s something you’re grateful for outside?
- Think about the work that went into the clothes you wear or the house you live in.
- If you had to give up all of your possessions but three, which three would you keep and why?
- Write a thank you note to yourself.
- Pick a random photo, and write about why you’re grateful for that memory.
- Write about something you’re looking forward to.
- Write about something in your life that you have now that you didn’t have a year ago.
- Reflect on a time you made a mistake and what you learned. What are you grateful for about that learning experience?
- Write about why you’re grateful for your house—these quotes about home might help inspire you to expand your thinking.
- Think back to the last time you laughed until you cried, and write about it.
- List three things that made you smile this week.
- Think about someone who helped shape the person you are today, and write about what they mean to you.
- Think about a time you were able to help someone else.
- List three people who helped you through a tough situation.
- Name someone who did something nice for you unprompted.
- People to write about:
- A person you haven’t spoken to in a while
- Someone who lives far away
- Your kid’s teachers
- Your coworkers
- Someone you have a hard time getting along with
- A musician, author or artist whose work particularly inspires you
- A stranger who brightened your day
- Things to write about:
- Your morning coffee
- Your favorite food
- Things you use daily
- Your job
- Activities or hobbies you enjoy
- Your body
- Your sense of smell, sight, taste etc.
- Places to write about:
- The city you live in
- Your favorite vacation destination
- Your desk at work
- Your bed
- Your neighborhood park
- Your hometown
- Your favorite store
- Ideas to write about:
- A family tradition
- A silly moment
- A struggle you’re facing
- A recent change in your life
- A recent accomplishment
- The current season
- Something new you learned recently
- draw something, if you like it
