How to Start A Gratitude Journal

Sometimes you don’t realize how wonderful life really is until you take a moment and think about it. But what if you did this every single day? Imagine how much joy you’d feel if you focused on all the good things in your life?

We’re not just talking about celebrating and enjoying the big moments, but rather intentionally seeking out the positive in your life - the little, everyday things that add up to a whole heck of a lot!

Gratitude journaling is a simple practice in which you take note of what makes you happy and you write it down. It can be people, places, experiences, relationships, conversations, or literally anything else you’re thankful for. You can choose to list out multiple things you’re grateful for each day in point form notes or focus on one or two things in particular that you can expand on in more detail. Either way, it’s important to not only recognize what you’re thankful for but why you’re thankful for it. This practice will help change your thinking to become more content, less stressed and more resilient when facing difficult situations.

Just remember to keep it simple and start small so that you can turn this into a daily habit and become more mindful of (and grateful for) your surroundings, relationships, experiences and everyday life. 

All you need is a piece of paper and pen. Perhaps get yourself a special notebook? Or if you’re often on the go, it may be easier to jot down notes in your phone, which you can build on throughout the day and transfer over to paper in the evening.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few helpful prompts: 

• What’s one good thing that happened to you today?
• What are you grateful for about your body?
• What do you enjoy most about the current season you’re in?
• Name something beautiful that you saw today. (i.e. person, nature, an act of kindness, etc.)
• What’s one of your favourite memories?
• What do you love most about your morning or night routine?
• What’s a valuable skill that you possess?
• Who are you most thankful for today? (P.S. Tell them!)
• Name three everyday objects that you're grateful for.

And on the days when you find it hard to come up with anything for your gratitude journal, take a look back through your notes and remember all there is to be grateful for!

So enjoy today and every day with just a little more gratitude for all of life’s gifts.

To your Balanced health,

Your friends at The Balanced Company