21 GRATITUDE JOURNAL PROMPTS TO HELP YOU APPRECIATE LIFE

What can I say about 2020? Whew child, it’s been a whirlwind. I think it’s safe to say, we all could probably list some new emotions that weren’t part of our vocabulary in 2019. But we are here and that alone is a blessing. I make a little time everyday to say thank you to God for what I have but it’s mostly verbal or through prayer. That’s where gratitude journal prompts come in!

Because I like to mix things up, I didn’t want to go with the standard of writing down three things every day. I get bored fast y’all and I need variety to keep me interested. So I came up with 21 gratitude journal prompts that would make me think more broadly about my day and help me appreciate more of the little things that can easily be taken for granted. If you’re still not sold on documenting your thoughts, check out my post on The Importance of Writing It Down.

What is a gratitude journal?

A gratitude journal is a document whether written or virtual that holds dear the things you are grateful for. You do it at your own pace and in your own way. Some folks like to make lists, others treat it more like a stream of consciousness and there are those that prefer artwork over writing. Making the time to be thankful is just as important as the items themselves. So create a new word document or buy yourself a cute notebook and dust off those blessings!

Why use journal prompts?

Journal prompts are questions or statements that help you think outside the box and sometimes get out of your comfort zone. Deciding to journal is a great first step but the deeper you go, the more it can benefit you and your relationships. Journal prompts are there to prevent you from taking for granted certain areas of your life because they may seem too small for celebration.

By expanding your options of what you can and should appreciate, life can feel more full of accomplishment and joy. Who says you shouldn’t feel as good about that one pair of jeans fitting you as you do about completing a 6 month project. You better dance in those streets!!!

If you’re constantly making the gratitude box smaller and smaller, the chances of finding things to appreciate grows slimmer too. All I’m saying it widen your net. Journal prompts allow you to do that while keeping it fun and interesting. Guess what that means. You’ll probably keep doing it and that right there is the goal. To create a habit or practice of gratitude. We’re long-term thinkers here!

Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal

So now you know some of the benefits of using gratitude journal prompts, here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of it:

1. Be honest with yourself. I know seeing the cold hard truth on paper can be a shock to the system but it’s necessary in this case. Here’s the thing. Lying to yourself can become a bad habit that is almost impossible to stop. Your feelings and thoughts are what they are and not a darn things is wrong with that. Stop being safe and take a little step every time you journal towards being more bold in your truth.
2. Pick your own schedule. You don’t have to journal everyday. Like anything else in life, you can get tired or it might start to feel like a chore and then it’s over. Don’t go so hard in the pain that you overwhelm yourself before you can get started. Find your own rhythm. Try journaling once a week as a start and see what feels right going forward.
3. Appreciate the “losses” too. It’s so easy for us to be grateful for the extra and the new but don’t forget about singing the Hallelujah chorus when something or someone hurtful is removed from your life. Can I get an Amen?
4. Take your time. Journaling is not a race. Light a candle, play some music that centers you and get deep with yourself. Write until you feel like you are finished. Don’t rush your emotions here. You may discover something new that completely changes your perspective on a person or situation. This is your time so treat it as such and enjoy the healing and revelations that come from it.

21 Gratitude Journal Prompts

Below is a preview of the pdf with 21 prompts. Just click on the list to get access to our free resource library and download the printable. Stay grateful, friends!