I am SUPER grateful today SO many people have asked about my Gratitude journal recently. How do I start a gratitude journal? And how do I keep it going? Let’s circle back around and talk more in depth about beginning your own gratitude journal! I’ve included a few different free printables down below 👇🏼 as well.
I totally understand this can be a foreign concept- I had the hardest time starting mine, and was super skeptical about seeing results. I had heard a lot about gratitude journals, but I never understood the importance, and the reason behind why it works.
We first started doing our own version of a gratitude journal as a roundtable event during dinner with the kids after Samshel died, to help the kids remember that there is still good out there and that it’s okay to feel happy. We saw such amazing results with the kids! I can’t tell you how awesome it was to see them laugh about remembering something nice that happened earlier in the day.
Intentionally thinking about the positive things in our lives makes our brains release those feel-good endorphins. Being grateful improves our mental health, physical health, and spiritual health. It also reinforces positive feelings towards personal relationships and helps strengthen them. Gratitude makes us focus on what we have which which turns into happiness.
First, we need to create a habit. Try and write in your gratitude journal around the same time each day, and create a relaxing environment. I like to write mine as I’m getting ready for bed. I’m fresh out of the shower, my teeth are brushed, I have cozy PJ’s on. Maybe you’re a morning person (we have already discussed I am NOT), so writing in your gratitude journal would be more beneficial first thing in the morning while you are planning your day and sipping on coffee. There is no wrong way to do this, friends!
Next, I have found that picking one thing to grateful for and then listing reasons why makes me focus more on my gratitude journal. It’s super simple to write, “I’m grateful for my husband, my job, my kids” over and over and over. You’re not going to see any benefits from that, because your not engaging your brain. WHY am I grateful for those things? “I am grateful for my job because I ADORE so many of my coworkers, I get to help people and care for them, and of course, the comic relief” Saying those things puts a smile on my face because I picture my relationships with my coworkers, remember heartwarming moments caring for patients, and the WTF stories that make me laugh. The more specific we can be, the harder our brain has to work thinking of those things that make us feel good. And when we’re reliving moments that made us feel good earlier – BOOM – we feel good now!
Down below are two printables you can use 👇🏼 The first printable is meant for ONE thing you are grateful for, then listing the reasons why you are grateful for that one thing (person, event, etc). And the other is so you can write down multiple things you are grateful for. The only wrong way to do this, is to NOT do it!! I hope these printable help you start your gratitude journal today!
I have also included some gratitude journal prompts for you to use to get started!
Drop some comments below, share this post on social media, and let me know what helps you most with your gratitude journal. What are you grateful for today? I am grateful for my super fluffy bed that I am sitting on while I write this, because soon I will be laying on it and sleeping! 😴😴
Here’s a link to pin on Pinterest!
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