How to Choose a Gratitude Journal

Tips for Journaling Thoughts of Thankfulness and Appreciation

Sep 16, 2009

Choose a gratitude journal format that encourages expressing gratitude and thankfulness. Create lists of focused appreciation and start a daily habit of giving thanks.

A gratitude journal is a wonderful way to capture appreciative thoughts around people, experiences and situations in life, helping to increase feelings of happiness and joy. There are a variety of formats a journal for expressing gratitude can take. Following are some ideas to help you choose a gratitude journal that works for you.

Purchase a Gratitude Journal Specifically for Expressing Thanks

If choosing to buy a gratitude journal, choose a special notebook that evokes happy feelings when you look at it, and inspires a desire to write. A pretty journal that begs to hold beautiful thoughts and ideas is a wonderful place to keep an ongoing list of appreciation.

Create a One-of-a-Kind Gratitude Journal

With a little crafting and creativity, a plain notebook can be turned into a beautiful journal for giving thanks. Visit a local craft supply store to find coloured pens, stickers, pretty scrapbooking papers and other crafting goodies that inspire happy thoughts of thanks-giving. Invite friends and children to create their own gratitude journals and turn the crafting event into a gratitude celebration!

Anything Can be Used as a Gratitude Journal: Write Gratitude Lists on Whatever is at Hand

Creating a habit of jotting down gratitude lists on the fly can help to ease negative thoughts and turn around difficult experiences, generally increasing feelings of well-being. Be prepared to create gratitude lists anytime and anywhere to reap the rewards of an attitude of gratitude. So if a pretty journal isn’t readily available, don’t let that stop you! In a pinch, index cards or scrap paper — or even a cocktail napkin — can be useful places to scribble a list of things for which one is thankful.

Keep an Electronic Gratitude Journal for Thanks-giving

An electronic gratitude journal is a great alternative for people that are less inclined to take up paper and pen, or who happen to spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer screen.

To make an electronic gratitude journal, create a file in a favourite word processing program, start a gratitude blog, or visit a site like My Everyday Magic to share daily gratitude lists with friends.

Make Mental Lists of Appreciation and Thankfulness to Journal Gratitude

Journaling about gratitude is still possible even if there’s no access to paper or a computer. Make mental lists of things to appreciate as you go about your day and immediately feel the shift as in energy as you give thanks for the blessings in life.

Gratitude journaling is a wonderful process that can radically improve a life, attracting greater joy and well-being. Use the above suggestions to create a personal process for expressing gratitude and indulge in the joyful act of giving thanks and appreciation for life’s blessings.