Gratitude and 5-minute journals have been growing popular in recent years. Practicing gratitude can lead to happier and healthier lives. In our increasingly busy lives, it can be challenging to focus on what we’re grateful for. Gratitude can help us stay present in the moment, increase our self-esteem, and build stronger relationships. Journaling can be a great way to set aside designated time in our day to reflect and learn more about ourselves.
You don’t need to go and buy a particular journal for gratitude entries. You can write your own gratitude journal entries in any old journal or whatever is accessible to you. November is National Gratitude Month, making it the perfect time to get started on your own gratitude journal and take on a new perspective. Here are five journal prompts to get you started.
- What is your most prized possession?
-
Your most prized possession can be anything. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive or grandest thing you own. Maybe it’s something simple like your childhood stuffed animal, a blanket or a hand-me-down sweater from a sibling. Perhaps it’s a luxury car, a diamond necklace, or your favorite pair of heels. Whatever it is, write about why this possession means so much to you and why you’re happy to have it in your life. You can imagine what you would do if you lost it and couldn’t get it back, or what your life would be like if you didn’t get it in the first place.
- Write about a simple and precious memory that means a lot to you
-
It can be overwhelming to think about the best moment of your life if you don’t have a clear one. So try writing about something simple that you cherish instead. A walk in the park, a friendly chat with a cashier at the store, or a movie night with friends or family can make up small moments that bring us joy. Writing down a moment like this can bring attention to the simple things in life and remind us that even the simplest things can be important.
We often get wrapped up in all the little bad things that happen to us, and it’s time we start giving attention to the good moments instead.
- Who is your favorite person in the world and why?
-
The people that we admire the most and look up to can offer reflection into our own lives. You may ask yourself what it is that makes them so special to you. Whether you admire them for their career, talent or personality, there must be a good reason for them to be your favorite in a world full of billions. This doesn’t have to be a celebrity or a revolutionary. It can be someone in your personal life that you look up to.
Understanding what makes them your favorite can also be an opportunity for self-reflection. You can see if you resonate and relate to what you admire in this person, or if these are goals you have for yourself in the future.
- Write a love letter to your body
-
Writing a love letter to your body can be a tricky one for many people. Most of us have struggled with body-image issues at some point and maybe still do. A love letter to your body can be the chance to appreciate your body for more than how it looks. We go through most of our lives not really thinking about the capabilities and functions of our bodies aside from when we are injured or sick.
We forget that our bodies are capable of magical things and that even right this second, it’s working as hard as it can. Try starting this letter with when you were born. What has your body done since then, and how has it been there for you along the way? This is an opportunity to forgive ourselves for being hard on our bodies and not always giving them the love they deserve.
- What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?
-
Think back to a year ago and what wishes or goals you had then. Whether big or small, you’ve made achievements since then and can do things now that you couldn’t do in the past. It all counts as new skills if you can run five miles, give a presentation, shower every day, go on dates and wake up with your alarm. It’s important to practice gratitude for our accomplishments and the growth that we’ve made.
Give yourself a pat on the back and be proud of where you are now. Take the time to set intentions for yourself a year from now with new capabilities.
You don’t have to journal every day for it to count, but starting with these five prompts can help get you into the habit. Practicing gratitude in our journals can help us reflect and be more grateful in our lives.