Express Gratitude in your Journaling

Do you express gratitude in your journaling practice?

Expressing gratitude in your journal can create a space of acknowledgment and appreciation. Gratitude is such a powerful emotion that sometimes we forget that things small or big, can positively impact not only our well being but our lives as a whole.

Here are some tips on how you can add gratitude to your journaling practice.

Make a list of things you are grateful for – nothing is too small or big, and just keep writing as it comes to mind. Think everything from food & weather to a particular feeling or person. You don’t need to go into too much detail, just one word is perfect. This allows yourself to take the time to recognize and appreciate things.

Use Deep Dive Prompts – you can start by taking one of the things you are grateful for and dig deeper. Ask yourself “Why am I grateful, How does it make me feel?. If you feel like you want to go deeper daily try using a prompt like “What made me smile today?”. These deeper dives can help you uncover deeper appreciation & richness for life. This one is a great practice on days where you might be struggling a little more or feeling a little more stressed.

Express appreciation outside of your journal – write a heartfelt letter to someone who has had a positive impact on your life or to someone who you feel connected with. You don’t even have to send it to them, just the art of writing it out can strengthen your gratitude practice.

Reflect on your challenging moments – this one might be a little harder, so take your time during this one. Gratitude can also be found amidst difficulties. When faced with challenges, use your journal as a tool to find silver linings. Reflect on what you have learned or gained from challenging experiences.

Using the tips above, create a daily gratitude ritual into your daily journaling practice. It could be as simple as ending each entry with a statement of gratitude or dedicating a specific section of your journal to gratitude alone. By making gratitude a consistent part of your routine, you train your mind to seek and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.

If you struggle to find gratitude, don’t forget there are always people you can talk too. Trained professionals are available to listen to you and help you find answers. Never feel ashamed to reach out for professional help.

Be kind to yourself.