For years, I was faithful to my gratitude journal. Every night, I would take a few moments to write down the little things that brought me joy throughout the day—my husband bringing me a cup of coffee, my dog letting me sleep in, or a stranger letting me out into traffic. But life got busy, and gradually, my journal entries became less frequent.
At the same time, my life was growing exponentially. I had started Pure Placid, gained more responsibilities, and found success in many ways. Yet, despite all this, I noticed something missing—my happiness. How could I be so successful yet feel so little joy?
Looking back, I realized I had lost the habit of looking for things to be grateful for. I had become so focused on the climb that I forgot to be thankful for simply having a mountain to climb.
When I rediscovered my gratitude journal, I saw the joy that filled those pages. It was a reminder of how much gratitude had once fueled my happiness, even when life was busy. I decided to make it a priority again, and now, even on my busiest days, I take a moment to jot down those moments of gratitude. The result? More joy, more peace, and a better life.
Tips for Starting (or Restarting) Your Gratitude Journal
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Start Small: You don’t have to write pages. Begin with three things you’re grateful for each day. They can be as small as enjoying a cup of tea or as big as landing a new client.
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Write Daily: Consistency is key. Try to journal every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes before bed. Over time, this habit will become a daily ritual that brings peace and clarity.
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Focus on Details: Go beyond writing “I’m grateful for my job.” Why are you grateful? What specifically brought you joy today? The more details you include, the more you’ll feel the emotion of gratitude.
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Feel the Gratitude: Don’t just write the words—take a moment to really feel the gratitude in your heart. Close your eyes and let the feeling wash over you. This helps deepen the impact of your journaling.
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Look for Gratitude in the Tough Times: It’s easy to be grateful when life is going well, but it’s during tough times that gratitude is most transformative. On hard days, challenge yourself to find something—anything—that went right.
Gratitude Journal Prompts to Get You Started
- What made you smile today?
- What’s something in your home that brings you comfort?
- Who in your life are you grateful for, and why?
- What’s a recent challenge that you’ve learned from?
- What’s a small thing that went right today?
- What’s a memory that makes you feel grateful?
Conclusion
Gratitude journaling isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of living. When you make time for gratitude, you make space for more joy, more peace, and more appreciation for the life you have. Whether you’re new to journaling or picking it back up after a break, remember that gratitude is always there waiting for you. It’s up to you to claim it.
Let this be your reminder: no matter how busy life gets, there’s always something to be grateful for. And the more you look for it, the more it shows up!
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