It is important to take the time to reflect on what you have to be grateful for. When you reflect on these things, you can have a more positive outlook on like and feel happier and healthier. Creating a gratitude journal is a great way to document your feelings in a way that is easy and inexpensive. Take a look at how to make a gratitude journal for yourself. You will find that a gratitude journal is the perfect way to reflect and find thankfulness in your day to day adventures!
How to Make a Gratitude Journal: Step by Step
1. Find a journal that appeals to you.
Visit a local book or dollar store to find a journal you like. It helps if the journal is decorated to your liking or appeals to you visually! If you want, you can find a plain one and decorate it yourself with Mod Podge, markers, or stickers. Make sure the journal has plenty of pages for your writing as well.
2. Attach a pen.
Tie some ribbon around a pen and then glue or tape the ribbon to the inside cover of the journal. This way, you aren’t searching all over for a pen and can get right down to business.
3. Decide when you will reflect.
It is great to reflect on what you are grateful for 15 minutes prior to writing. Decide when a good time would be to do this. You want to do this in a space that is quiet and free from distraction. Decide where this spot will be and when the reflection will take place so you can fit it into your schedule.
4. Reflect, then write.
Once you have your 15 minutes of reflection, start writing. In your gratitude journal you will write the date and time if you wish. Then, you can write in paragraph or simple list form. Start writing what you are grateful for that week, day, or even moment. You can be as descriptive as you wish. Remember, this is your journal so use a writing format that works for you. For some, a whole journal entry may be ideal, while others will keep it short and sweet.
5. Revisit your gratitude journal when needed.
When you are having a rough day, or a day when things seem to not be going your way, revisit your journal. Read through the entries and remind yourself of all you have to be thankful for. When you do this, you can feel more positive and see that you do in fact have so much to be grateful for.
Store your gratitude journal in a safe place where you can access it easily. Write in it whenever you feel inspired, or read it whenever you need a good reminder of what you have.
Printable Gratitude Journal Pages
If you wish you can print out copies of our printable gratitude journal page and put them in a 3 ring binder. They are included in our Thanksgiving Planner. Print them out here or by clicking on the image below.
Creating a gratitude journal is a great way to show yourself all you have to be thankful for. Give one a try!
Caitie says
I am a huge fan of gratitude journals. Before children, I used to keep one myself and now that my three are getting a bit older and into writing, we each have a journal and we fill out three things we are thankful for at bedtime. It inspires some wonderful conversation and I feel like it is increasing their mindfulness. They are more grateful during the day because they are looking for the blessings, if that makes sense.