Gratitude Journal, Day 1

A PERSON WHO TAUGHT ME WHEN I WAS YOUNG

Maybe it was a teacher or coach, or perhaps it was a scout leader, religious leader, or neighbor. What special lessons did you learn?

Gratitude Journal, Day 2

SOMEONE WHO MADE ME FEEL SPECIAL

Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Who made you feel especially heard, seen, and cherished?

Gratitude Journal, Day 3

SOMETHING I OFTEN TAKE FOR GRANTED

There is so much around us that we often take for granted—electricity, wifi, clean running water—that it is easy to forget that in many parts of the world, these things are unavailable. Take a moment to reflect upon something you often take for granted. What would it be like if you didn’t have it?

Gratitude Journal, Day 4

FORGIVENESS

When have you been forgiven or forgiven someone else? What was that experience like?

Gratitude Journal, Day 5

A MISTAKE I MADE THAT TAUGHT ME SOMETHING VALUABLE

“Many times what we perceive as an error or failure is actually a gift. And eventually we find that lessons learned from that discouraging experience prove to be of great worth.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway

Gratitude Journal, Day 6

SOMETHING I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE

Have you ever been in the middle of an experience and thought, “Wow! I never thought I would ever get to see this!”? Maybe it was a surprise, or a trip to a dream destination, or a cherished moment with a loved one.  

Gratitude Journal, Day 7

SOMEONE WHO GAVE ME A SECOND CHANCE

Maybe you blew it the first time, but this special person gave you grace—and a second chance.

Gratitude Journal, Day 8

A PART OF MY BODY

Our bodies are amazing! They can do so much for us, and yet, most of us think only about our body’s flaws. What is one part of your body for which you are thankful because of what it does for you? Send that part of your body some love and gratitude.

Gratitude Journal, Day 9

A TIME OF GREAT CHALLENGE

There are times in our lives when we are called to rise to a challenge. In the moment, it may not look like a gift, but once we’re through them, we have gained something.

“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s a day you’ve had everything to do and you’ve done it.”
― Margaret Thatcher

Gratitude Journal, Day 10

AN ANIMAL THAT ENRICHES MY LIFE

It’s impossible for me to imagine my life without my canine companions. They bring joy and unconditional love each and every day. What animal enriches your life? Is it a pet or a wild creature? What gifts does it bring you?

Gratitude Journal, Day 11

A JOURNEY

Whether it’s a trip of a lifetime or an inward spiritual quest, what journey has been an integral part of your life?

Gratitude Journal, Day 12

SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME LAUGH

What is the last thing that made you laugh—a true, whole-hearted belly laugh?

Gratitude Journal, Day 13

SOMEONE WHO BELIEVED IN ME

At key moments in our lives, there is often a person who bolsters our belief in ourselves by believing in us. Who has done that for you?

Gratitude Journal, Day 14

SOMETHING TINY

What is the very smallest, most seemingly insignificant thing for which you are grateful? Feeling big gratitude for even the smallest of things can rewire our brains!

Gratitude Journal, Day 15

WORDS THAT INSPIRE ME

Do you have a favorite quote from a book, movie, or friend? How does in inspire you?

Gratitude Journal, Day 16

MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND

Who was your childhood friend? Do you still keep in touch? What did that person mean to you? Today, I invite you to go a step further: after journaling about the friend, pick up the phone and call, or handwrite a letter. If your friend is no longer living, reach out to someone else who know her/him and reminisce.

Gratitude Journal, Day 17

MUSIC THAT CHANGED ME

From the time we hear our mother’s heartbeat, music and rhythm are part of our lives. Some music, though, stands apart, and once we’ve heard it, there is a “before” and an “after.” What music changed you?

Gratitude Journal, Day 18

SOMETHING THAT WAS UNEXPECTED

Sometimes, the best things are completely unexpected and unanticipated. What unexpected thing or event brought you joy?

Gratitude Journal, Day 19

SOMETHING IN NATURE

Louie Schwartzberg said, “Natures beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude.” What in nature makes you feel especially grateful and appreciative?

Gratitude Journal, Day 20

SOMEONE WHO INFLUENCED YOUNG ADULT ME

When people come into our lives at pivotal times, they can have a tremendous impact on the direction we choose to take. Think back to your young adult years, when you were trying to figure out what you wanted to do. Who influenced you then?

Gratitude Journal, Day 21

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME COMFORT

It doesn’t have to be a thing at all—it can be a place, a person, or a practice. When you need comfort, what makes you feel a sense of safety and belonging?

Gratitude Journal, Day 22

MY SPECIAL PLACE

“There’s a world where I can go and tell my secrets to
In my room, in my room.”

~The Beach Boys

Where is your special place?

Gratitude Journal, Day 23

SOMETHING MY BODY LOVES TO DO

If you listened to the podcast last month with Yadenee Hailu, you may recall her saying, “This is the body that you are able to go on walks with. This is the body that digests your food, and enjoys your food. This is the body that is resting well, the body you take to the chiropractor, that you work out with and dance with. Can you accept THAT?” What is something that your body loves to do for you?

Gratitude Journal, Day 24

AN ANCESTOR

“Walking. I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.”
~Linda Hogan

For what ancestor are you particularly grateful?

Gratitude Journal, Day 25

A KINDNESS I WITNESSED

Perhaps you were feeling annoyed or hurried until you witnessed an act of kindness. How did it change your experience of that moment? Did it have a lasting impact?

Gratitude Journal, Day 26

A PERSON WHOSE NAME I DON’T KNOW

Think about a person you have seen or spoken with, but who is a stranger to you—you don’t even know their name. And yet, you feel gratitude toward them. Why? As you consider your feeling of gratitude, is it important to you to learn their name? 

Gratitude Journal, Day 27

A FAMILY TRADITION I LOVE

This season is all about families gathering together and practicing traditions, many of which have been handed down for generations. What is a tradition you absolutely love?

Gratitude Journal, Day 28

A DIFFICULT PERSON

Holidays aren’t always easy, as sitting together at a meal can pose a challenge in many families. Spend some time with this one before the big meal. If there’s someone at your table whom you find difficult, think about that person from a perspective of gratitude. What in that person makes you a better person? What’s one thing about him or her for which you can be grateful?

Gratitude Journal, Day 29

AN AMAZING MEAL

Think back over all the meals you have had. Which one stands out? Why? Is it because of the food or the company—or both? What made it truly amazing?

Gratitude Journal, Day 30

SOMETHING OF BEAUTY

Beauty surrounds us all the time! If we open our eyes and heart, we can see something amazing even in a droplet of water. Wherever you are, take a look around. What beauty do you see right now?