Practicing gratitude not only makes you feel better mentally, but it can also improve your physical health. I highly suggest starting a gratitude journal because it is easy, inexpensive, and can be done in just a few minutes each day. There are a lot of scientifically proven benefits to journaling, like reducing depression, the longevity of life, and improving relationships.
There is no right or wrong way to get started. The most important thing is that you do start. I thought I would offer up a few prompts to help get your creative juices flowing.
First things.
Grab any journal or notebook, (here is what I am using) then choose your time and place.
Start small with a goal to show up for 3-5 minutes and list as many things as possible that come to mind. I give you permission to write sloppy and unorganized (likewise neat and tidy if that brings you more joy).
It was when I was told no one would bother to read my journal and all I had to do was show up, the pressure came off. Since I was doing it for me and not a grade, it began to be something I felt good and encouraged to do, because I got something out of it. I hope that happens for you.
It will take time and consistency for this to be a habit. You may find you are motivated for a few days or weeks, then a distraction will come and you will miss your gratitude time. My experience is that later that day or after a few days, you will feel “OFF” or “DIFFERENT”. It is like when you forget deodorant, you don’t know how important it is until the stink or stinkin’ thinkin’ sets in.
Pick One Of These Gratitude Journal Prompts
Pick one of these prompts and just write. Don’t think, just write. Whatever comes to your mind, write it. I do try to keep my journal positive and write to myself as if I am writing to my best friend. You wouldn’t talk terribly to a loved one or BFF, so don’t talk to yourself that way either. If I get a negative thought about myself (we all do) stop and reframe ti to the positive with the TRUTH.
I put these into categories. That way, you can journal on a specific topic that inspires you.
General Journal Prompts.
- Look around you, what 4 things do you see that you are grateful for?
- What is one accomplishment you’re grateful you achieved?
- Scroll through your phone pictures. Choose the first one that makes you smile. Write about that memory.
- Think of 4 people you are grateful for and why.
- List your perfect day.
- What skill do you have that you are really grateful?
- Write a letter to your 100 year old self. What do you want to remember about your life and accomplishments?
- Choose a song that makes you happy, play it, list why it makes you happy.
- Think of a happy childhood memory, the one that just popped in your head when you read childhood memory, write about that.
- What small thing can you do today to make it a better day? (coffee, walk, exercise class, write a thank you letter, pay someone a compliment, etc.)
- Write a letter to yourself 10 years ago. What is a lesson you learned and are grateful for and wish you had learned sooner?
- Interview yourself. Ask yourself where you want to be in 2 years. How can you make this happen
FOOD PEACE PROMPTS
- Describe what food peace means to you.
- Write your feelings when you finally have food peace.
- What would be a small win today toward food peace.
- What is holding you back from making the changes to have this? What is in the way?
- Write a letter to yourself as though you already had it.
- What is your reason for wanting food peace? What is your motivator?
- What is one experience that you can’t wait to do when you have food peace?
I hope these gratitude journal prompts allow you to get started with journaling so that you can live a more positive life. What is your favorite prompt?
With so many to choose from, I can’t wait to hear your favorite.
Originally posted 2020-07-25 09:09:07.
