55 Gratitude Writing Prompts for Daily Journaling (+ PDF)

In this post, you will find a list of journal prompts to practice gratitude.

Every year when Thanksgiving comes around, people like to say “we should be giving thanks everyday” so why don’t we?

A daily habit of gratitude keeps good thoughts and positivity at the forefront of our minds and our lives.

The thankful quote, “look for something good and you’ll always find it”, is not an exaggeration.

Gratitude journaling (which is a great introduction to journaling) is one way to train your brain to look for good things. It is beneficial to the mood both immediately and long term.

By answering gratitude journal prompts and documenting your blessings, you create a lasting ‘gratitude time capsule’ that you can revisit whenever you want, simply by reading your journal entries.

Why You Should Be Intentional in Practicing Gratitude

We are hard wired to notice and focus on imperfections, problems and deficiencies. Furthermore, we are overwhelmed with negativity through news channels and social media every day. And it’s simply not healthy for our minds and our morale.

Adopting a habit of gratitude, on the other hand, is widely known to have a positive influence on mental, spiritual and even physical health.

By using grateful journal prompts, you redirect yourself to notice and record all of the positive things in your life, thereby, escaping those negative thought cycles.

It makes one more resilient in life.

How Can Journal Prompts Help?

Gratitude writing prompts are questions or statements that lead you to reflect and write.

Think of them like guided thinking.

Themed journal prompts for gratitude will also challenge you to see things from a different perspective and write something different than what you’re used to.

related : 62 self discovery journal prompts for everyday reflection

How to Use a Gratitude Journal for Maximum Benefit (My Best Tips!)

• If you’re ever stuck, start small. Express thankfulness for your 5 senses or for the modern conveniences that you see around you.
  There’s no shame in keeping it simple.
• Journal daily in the morning.
  Being grateful first thing in the morning sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
  It also puts you in the mindset to notice the small but amazing blessings that present themselves throughout the day.

• Be persistent. Even if you miss a day… even if you get stumped… even when you struggle to fit it into your morning routine… Just keep trying!
• Be creative and think outside the box because there is no right or wrong way to give thanks.
• Use writing prompts. Predetermined topics for a gratitude journal will inspire you to start or keep writing.

Find some gratitude journal entry examples here.

Daily Gratitude Prompts to Kickstart Your Journey to Thankfulness 

Now, I know it might take some inspiration to get you writing, So, here are some gratitude journal topics and questions to help you develop that joyful heart.

At the end, you will find a printable list of gratitude prompts that you can print and refer back to over and over again.

1. Think about your childhood. What are you most grateful for? What impacted you the most?

2. Write down 3 things that happened today that made you smile.

3. List 5 people who have helped you in some way, big or small.

4. What did you learn today?

5. Write down one thing you’ll do differently tomorrow to make it an even better day.

6. Make a list of 10 things you’re grateful for right now.

7. Write about your physical abilities. It’s so easy to take health for granted. Can you walk, talk, hear?

8. Make a list of the “amenities” you enjoy every day. Clean water? Air conditioners and heating?

9. How has someone else changed your life for the better?

10. Go outside and soak in your surroundings. What do you see that you are thankful for? Clean air? Beautiful flowers? 

11. What makes you feel good about yourself?

12. Look at a picture from your past. Write about how far you’ve come, what has improved, what you can still do to improve, etc. 

13. Write about connectivity like wifi, email, and phones that allow you to stay connected to those you love. What would life be like if you couldn’t contact them?

14. What brought you joy this past week?

15. Write about your hobbies. What do you love about them? How do they bring you joy?

16. Think and write about a mistake you made that actually ended up leading to healthy growth.

17. Who was your favorite teacher? How did they impact you? What did you learn from them? What can you do this week to honor their memory?

18. What is something you learned from being on the other side of the fence or in someone else’s shoes?

19. What do you love most about where you live?

20. List all the things that made you smile in the last 24 hours.

21. Think about your daily routine. What do you enjoy most? 

22. Imagine what it would be like to not be “free.” Think about freedom, what it means, and what you enjoy because of it. 

23. Think about why you’re alive. You are here for a reason. How can you show gratitude for the gift of life today?

24. Describe 3 things that you are currently doing well.

25. Write about a role model that positively transformed your life.

26. What is something that you are glad that you can make?

27. What are the things that never fail to encourage you?

28. Describe your favorite time of the day and what you like about it.

29. Who is your favorite person? Reflect on the different things they’ve taught you and ways they’ve been there for you.

30. Write about something you did to make someone else happy.

31. What do you like the most about your city or state?

32. Describe your favorite smell.

33. Describe your favorite sound.

34. Describe your favorite texture.

35. Describe your favorite emotional feeling.

36. What is a strength that you frequently rely on?

37. Write down 5 things that you have now that you didn’t have 5 years ago.

38. What is a negative experience that you are grateful for and why?

39. Make a list of the things you own that money can’t buy.

40. Praise a book, movie or podcast that changed your life.

41. Describe a scientific advancement that you are thankful to have.

42. When it comes to your mental health, what are you most grateful for?

43. When it comes to your physical health, what are you most grateful for?

44. What is the best gift you’ve ever been given; why are you grateful for this gift?

45. One piece of advice that I’m grateful to have gotten is …..

46. Write about the highlight of your life.

47. Write about your best ever Christmas.

48. Write about your best ever birthday.

49. What’s your favorite memory of your pet?

50. Give thanks for your favorite food and drink.

51. Describe a time you messed up badly and a loved one stuck by you anyways.

52. Who can you always rely on no matter what? Write them a letter of thanks.

53. Write about a random act of kindness that blessed you.

54. Write about your happy place.

55. Write about a time you felt truly at peace.

related : 52 Ways to Journal for Self Love (Includes Writing Prompts!)

Best Gratitude Journals and Fun Journaling Supplies

Great writing tools make it more compelling to stick with the habit of gratitude journaling.

Here are my recommendations for awesome gratitude journals and supplies.

Free Gratitude Journal Prompts PDF

Now that you are equipped with everything you need to know, I’ve made you a printable to get you started.

All you have to do is print it and tuck it into your gratitude journal for ongoing reference.

Click to have it sent to you right away!

> > > more printable journal prompts including gratitude prompts

I hope these gratitude journaling prompts kick off a lifetime habit of giving thanks and reaping the benefits of gratitude. ENJOY!!