When starting a new journal, most people want to find journal prompts to build gratitude. It’s an easy exercise that can really get you in the journal writing habit. At least, that’s what everyone thinks at first. Then they actually try it for a few weeks.
Below, you’ll find a list of prompts that will help you fill up your gratitude journal. Unlike most journal prompts, you don’t have to write a full response to these *if* you don’t want to. You could write down one word or twenty pages. Either way, you can use these journal prompts to build gratitude.
Gratitude is a Muscle
The truth is, gratitude journaling can be hard! You have to commit to finding new ideas every day. On the front end, it takes forever to think of 3 solid ideas for your gratitude list. Later on, it gets tricky because you get gratitude journaling writer’s block. Some people avoid this by opting for alternative positive journal prompts.
Basically, gratitude is a muscle. If you want to build up your optimism, you need to work at it with new, challenging exercises regularly.
Journal Prompts to Build Gratitude
Remember, you can write as much or as little as you like for these prompts. Simply thinking about gratitude is enough to build your “muscle”.
When you are ready to write about gratitude, try to shop around. All of these are journal prompts to build gratitude, but they help to stretch your optimism. Maybe one day you think about your loved ones and then you think about sweet little treats the next. You can find gratitude in many places.
For Your “Boring” Everyday Routine
Your normal routine is the best place to start when looking for journal prompts to build gratitude. They help you romanticize your life. Start here when beginning a new gratitude journal routine.
· What is something that always makes you feel more awake in the morning?
· What is your favorite part of your outfit of the day?
· When do you get quiet time in the day?
· Is there someone you always seem to see on your commute? Who?
· What do you enjoy about your trip to work?
· Do you have a mini-ritual for your daily breaks?
· What is your favorite job perk?
· What is something you enjoy daily now that you thought was a luxury as a child?
· Who do you talk to most during the day?
· What keeps you organized during the day?
· Do you have any fun personal decorations on your desk? Name one.
· What indoor plant(s) do you see every day?
· How do you wind down after a hard day’s work?
· What was your favorite meal of the day?
· What tools helped you take care of yourself today?
For The People You Love Most
People are often the easiest to think of when writing a gratitude list. If you are looking for creative journal prompts to build gratitude, these will probably come naturally.
· Has anyone done a favor for you today?
· Who do you work best with?
· Has anyone given you a compliment today?
· Who inspires you the most?
· What group of people are the most emotionally supportive to you?
· Who makes you feel the safest?
· Do you have any good inside jokes with someone? Who?
· Who made you laugh today?
· What is you favorite group chat right now?
· Who do you share the most memes with?
· Has anyone helped you recently? Who?
· Who has been on your mind recently?
For Nature and Its Changes
Nothing inspires a good journal entry like time in nature. The great outdoors is kind of like journal prompts to build gratitude – just being there can do the trick. That said, you can try these to give your gratitude journal an extra oomph.
· Which local tree is your favorite?
· What do you like about the current season?
· Take a look around, what’s the prettiest flower you see?
· What do you like about the sky right now?
· What helps you protect the earth?
· What is something in your life that is only possible because of nature?
· How many animals in your neighborhood can you identify?
· Which bugs actually *help* your environment?
· Do you have a favorite nature sound? (ex: bird call, cicada chirp, etc)
· Did you eat any delicious produce today?
· Who grew the plants you ate today? Who raised the animals?
For Your Body
We often forget to thank our bodies for all of the many things it can do for us. This is a mistake! These next few journal prompts to build gratitude are designed to focus on the one thing that makes your life possible – your body.
Not every prompt here will apply to every body. Still, the goal is to find the prompts that do fit you and your experience.
· What was the most beautiful thing you saw today?
· Where did your legs take you today?
· What did you hold in your arms
· Did you enjoy any tasty meals?
· Were you able to make anything with your hands lately?
· Have you done any enjoyable exercise this week?
· How have you been able to care for your body today?
· What is one thing you can do right now to feel good?
· Do you play any sports or active games?
· What is one skill you are proud to have?
· What is one creative thought you’ve had recently?
For Your Home
People gravitate towards home. It is comfortable, familiar, and safe. This is not nothing! The following prompts are meant to explore why your home is unique and special.
· What makes you feel most “at home”?
· Is there any art or knickknacks in your house that make you happy?
· Where is the softest place in your home?
· Do you have a space that is only yours in your home?
· What part of your house is the most entertaining?
· What weather is your home currently sheltering you from?
· Is there any part of your house that is currently clean?
· Which room is your favorite part of your home?
· Who do you enjoy coming home to?
· What is more comfortable about your home than other people’s?
· Do you have a favorite window to look out of?
· Do you have a favorite mug, spoon, etc?
