40 Gratitude Journal Prompts to Feel More Optimistic in Your Life

Kim Rounsefell·March 09, 2020

40 Gratitude Journal Prompts of Things You Love in Life - thankubody

Imagine you're watching a breathtaking sunset. Time stands still as the sun settles behind the scenic landscape, sending deep orange and red bursts into the sky. All you can think is, "wow, I'm so glad I took the time out to experience this" as you watch the horizon in awe.

The Benefits of Gratitude

That deep feeling of gratitude you experience while watching that sunset feels good. You might find it overshadows other challenges you've been dealing with— even if for a fleeting moment.

Taking time to acknowledge the things you feel grateful for is important because these are the things that matter to you. Practicing gratitude is an excellent way to practice self-care too, because it involves taking stock of things you value in life.

A consistent gratitude practice can help you to feel greater happiness and optimism for your life too.

The words of Melody Beattie captures it beautifully:

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity... it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

40 Gratitude Journal Prompts to Get Started

To get started with your gratitude practice, take small steps. Write down or acknowledge one thing you feel grateful for each day. It may be something little or something big. It doesn't matter what it is. It's the practice itself that's most important.

If you get stuck on gratitude ideas, that's okay. Use this list below as a reference to help out. Many of these prompts focus on you and the things you value.

a body function you're grateful for
a hobby you love
a smell you experienced
food you enjoy
a friendship you cherish
a favorite place you like to go
something outdoors you love
something at work
something at school
a song that makes you feel alive
a creative outlet
a color that brings joy
a pet you love
something about the weather
something about you
something that makes you laugh
a learning experience you had
a new skill you tried
a favorite activity
a movie you enjoyed
a tradition you value
an accomplishment
an inspiring quote
a new experience
something you saw one day
your favorite thing
a book you love
a cause you care about
a goal or aspiration you have
someone that inspires you
a favorite sport
a favorite restaurant
a fond memory
a favorite time of the day
a favorite recipe
an experience that helped you grow as a person
a favorite indulgence
a supportive person
your favorite season
something you love in nature

As for sunsets, hopefully, you get a chance to check one out soon!

Gratitude prompts were originally published in our Grateful: Gratitude Journals. These journals are lovingly designed to support a daily gratitude practice. For more information about our journals visit our product description.