10 Gratitude Journaling Prompts For All The Good In Your Life

Gratitude journaling prompts are the perfect way to stay grounded and appreciate everything life has to offer. No matter how dark things can get, there is always something to be thankful for. So focus on the good and use these 10 gratitude journaling prompts to foster a positive mindset. All you need is your journal, a pen, and a smile!

1. What’s one thing that makes you happy and why?

This prompt is perfect if you are new to gratitude journaling! Take a moment to think of one thing that brings a smile to your face. For me, that is hands down my Chihuahua, but for you, maybe it’s a walk on the beach, reading, your lover, or even a big bowl of ice cream! Don’t think too hard, just pick the first thing that comes to mind, and then write down why you think it popped into your head first. 

2. What about your upbringing are you grateful for and why?

We can’t choose where we come from, and maybe your childhood wasn’t the best. But out of all those years when you were a kid, there is at least one good memory for you to appreciate. Think about something positive from your past. Maybe your mom drove you to school every day just so you didn’t have to take the bus, or maybe your Dad was your soccer coach and introduced you to the world of sports. Maybe your parents helped pay for college, or maybe they bought you your first car. No matter how big or how small, pick one thing about your upbringing that you are grateful for.  

3. List 3 things you are doing well currently.

Every now and then, it’s important to give yourself a nice pat on the back and appreciate all the hard work you’ve accomplished! Think of 3 things, big or small, that you’re proud of. Maybe you are about to graduate from college, or maybe you finally mustered up the strength to end a toxic relationship. Perhaps you just learned how to cook for yourself, or maybe you’ve given up an addiction.

Be proud of who you are and how far you’ve come! 

4. What do you like most about your job or school?

Work can be stressful and school can be difficult. Today, instead of focusing on all the things you wish you could change about your work, pick one thing you like about it! Maybe you have your own office (which is super cool) or maybe you met your best friend in class.

If we always concentrated on the bad, we would never feel like we have enough. Be grateful that you even have a job, or that you were lucky enough to get an education. 

5. List 5 things in your life that are stressing you out, and then for each stress factor, write what you can do to change it.

Breathe in. Breath out. This last year has proven that stress can lurk around just about any corner. Now, I want you to list five things that bother you. After you write them down, carefully think about each stress factor and why you think they trigger stress. Once you understand why you’re getting stressed, you can start to think about a plan to tackle it. So, I want you to come up with one, simple step you can take to minimize your stress factors. For example, if you’re stressed about finishing a research paper on time, fish out your planner and create a study schedule.

Taking action to address the stress in your life will make you feel like you have more of a handle on things. 

6. Name a family member you feel grateful for. What makes them special?

Family is one of the most important things in life. Out of all your aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, brothers, and sisters, pick one family member you are grateful for. You don’t have to be close with them, but maybe you appreciate the path that they paved for their children, or you admire their career. After you pick your person, write down everything that makes them unique.

Writing well wishes about someone other than yourself will make you feel better. 

7. What is something nice another person did for you recently?

Don’t tell me “no one does anything nice for me.” Nope. I don’t believe you. Think back to when you were at the grocery store and the bag boy filled your cart for you, or when you were struggling with a math question and your teacher helped you figure it out. You don’t have to write down a big, sweeping gesture of love, but rather, the small moments that add up. 

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And, I challenge you to go out and do one small random act of kindness each day. Years from now, people might not remember what you said or what you looked like, but they will remember how you made them feel. Choose kindness, always. 

8. Who is your best friend and why?

Come on, let out all of the feels! Who is your bestie, your ride or die, your partner in crime? Who is that one person who always has your back, who you could tell anything to? In our darkest days, it’s our friends who help us see the light at the end of the tunnel. So take a moment to remember all the good your bestie has done for you. Remember what you like most about them, and why you became friends in the first place.

9. Who makes you feel loved and why?

This prompt is not exclusive to people in a romantic relationship. Sure, go ahead and pour your heart out about your boyfriend and how amazing he is. But if you’re single, pick someone, anyone, who makes you feel loved. Maybe it’s your Mom, Grandma, or even your dog! Write about all the little things they do to make you feel special and loved. 

10. What was the best thing that happened today?

Again, don’t tell me nothing happened. That’s simply not true. Even if you had a routine day, write about a moment that you really enjoyed. Maybe you were playing a video game you love, or maybe you applied your makeup perfectly. There is always something to be happy about.

Find the good in life, and it will find you, too. 

Which one of these gratitude journaling prompts was your favorite? What are you grateful for in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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