192 Inspiring Journal Prompts To Express Gratitude

Last Updated on July 15, 2024

As someone who struggles with anxiety and stress, I have found that practicing gratitude journal prompts is one of the most effective ways to bring a sense of calm and perspective into my daily life. 

But, like many people, I often find it difficult to remember to be grateful for the things that I have, particularly when I’m feeling overwhelmed by the challenges and stresses of daily life. 

That’s where gratitude journal prompts come in – they provide a simple and effective way to practice gratitude on a regular basis, helping us to focus on the good things in our lives and cultivate a more positive mindset.

Gratitude journal prompts are simply prompts or questions that encourage us to reflect on the things that we are grateful for. 

They can take many different forms, from simple prompts like “What are three things that made you smile today?” to more reflective questions like “Who has been a positive influence in your life, and how have they impacted you?” 

By answering these prompts on a regular basis – ideally every day – we can train our minds to focus on the positive, rather than getting bogged down by negative thoughts and worries.

The benefits of practicing gratitude through journaling are well-documented. 

Research has shown that regularly practicing gratitude can lead to a range of positive outcomes, including improved mood, increased happiness, better sleep, and even improved physical health. 

By taking the time to reflect on the good things in our lives, we can shift our perspective and find more joy and meaning in the everyday moments.

Of course, finding the right gratitude journal prompts can be a challenge in and of itself. 

There are countless prompts and questions out there, and it can be difficult to know where to start. 

That’s why I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite gratitude journal prompts, to help inspire you and get you started on your own gratitude journaling journey. 

From simple prompts to more reflective questions, these prompts are designed to help you cultivate a more positive mindset and find joy and meaning in the everyday moments of your life.

Gratitude Journal Prompts For Kids’ Appreciation

1. “What makes a good friend?”

2. “What makes you grateful that you live in the country where you live?”

3. “Think of something good that happened today – anything – and write down what makes that moment special to you!”

4. “Who’re your best friends? What makes them so great?”

5. “Who was the first person to make you smile, and how did they do it?”

6. “What’s something that makes you happy every day?”

7. “If you could have one superpower, what would it be?”

8. “Who’s been especially helpful to you lately, and what’s he/she done for you?”

9. “What’re you most looking forward to this week/next month/next year?”

10. “What 3 things do you love about the city, area, or neighborhood you live in?”

11. “What’s your favorite character from a fairy tale, and why?”

12. “Who makes your life better daily (family member, friend, teacher)? Write down what makes them special to you!”

13. “What do you like to do when you’re alone?”

14. “What was the best food you ever ate? Why was it so good?”

15. “What did you do for yourself today?”

16. “What’s your favorite color? And why?”

17. “What’re the strangest things you’ve ever eaten? Why did you eat them?”

18. “How would you like to be recognized for your accomplishment when you accomplish something great?”

19. “How many different kinds of animals can you name?”

20. “What was the best part of your day?”

21. “How did someone help you today? Who was it, and how did they help you?”

22. “What’s something that makes you laugh?”

23. “Who’s your favorite celebrity, and why?”

24. “What do you like about your house?”

25. “Think about all the things that make your family different from other families in your school or community – what things make your family special?”

26. “What do you like about your family?”

27. “What favorite memory happened to you last week that you’re grateful for?”

28. “If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world now, where would it be, and why would that place be perfect for this time of year?”

29. “What would you like to learn someday?”

30. “What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?”

31. “Who’s your favorite teacher, and why?”

32. “What’s one thing that makes you happy right now just thinking about it (even if it’s just a little thing)?”

33. “What’ve you done today to make someone else happy?”

34. “Where would it be and why if you could go anywhere in the world?”

35. “What’s something you value greatly because it makes your life easier?”

36. “What’s your favorite thing to do with your family/friends?”

37. “What’s your favorite season, and why is it more important to you than any other?”

38. “What’s your favorite food and why?”

39. “What do you like about yourself?”

40. “Who do you love most in the world and why?”

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41. “What’s your favorite place you’d like to visit again?”

42. “What would you wish for if you found a magic lamp and had three wishes?”

43. “What’s something you have that other people in the world may not have access to?”

44. “If you could change one thing about yourself overnight (e.g., fly or become invisible), what would it be, and why would it improve your life?”

45. “What’s your favorite snack/dessert/sweet? Why is it so good?”

46. “Where would it be and why if you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow?”

47. “What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you?”

48. “Who’s a teacher or mentor influenced your life, and how did they help you?”

49. “If you were to send someone a thank you note today, who could you send it to?”

50. “Write down the last time you were proud of yourself.”

51. “How does nature make you feel?”

52. “What’s your favorite song, and why?”

53. “Who changed your life for the better, and how?”

54. “What’s something that makes you feel calm and relaxed?”

55. “How can we make the world a better place?”

56. “What did you learn today?”

57. “If you could be any animal for a day, which one would you be? And why?”

58. “What’s your favorite vacation, and what do you like best about it?”

59. “What’re you grateful for today?”

60. “What’s your favorite movie? And why?”

61. “What’s your favorite food to eat? Why do you like it so much?”

Gratitude Journal Prompts To Improve Well-Being

62. “Where is your favorite place to read?”

63. “When was the last time you hugged someone?”

64. “Write about three people who love you.”

65. “What is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever given? What is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?”

66. “What was the last book you read? How did it change your perspective?”

67. “What is something you enjoy doing every single day?”

68. “What was your favorite holiday as a child? What is your favorite holiday now?”

69. “Which family member makes you laugh the most? When was the last time you spoke with them?”

70. “When was the last time you smiled at a stranger?”

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71. “What is your most valued family tradition? Why?”

72. “Where is your favorite place to meet up with friends?”

73. “What is your favorite time of day? How do you prefer to spend that time?”

74. “What are you looking forward to this month?”

75. “What is something that you are looking forward to this week?”

76. “Write down the most influential affirmation you’ve ever received.”

77. “Where are you most comfortable?”

78. “What is a smell that brings you joy?”

79. “Choose a stressful situation from your day and reframe it in a positive way.”

80. “What was the last compliment you gave someone?”

81. “Write about something beautiful you saw today.”

82. “When was the last time someone made you laugh?”

83. “Where were you when you last watched a sunset?”

84. “Write down your favorite thing about where you live.”

85. “What is your favorite form of exercise?”

86. “What is your favorite outfit?”

87. “Name three things you’re good at.”

88. “What was a positive experience that came out of a difficult experience?”

89. “What’s your favorite form of creative expression? When do you feel most creative?”

90. “Write down your favorite way to enjoy the outdoors.”

91. “What is your favorite season of the year? What is your favorite thing about it?”

92. “What is your favorite childhood memory?”

93. “What was your favorite trip from the past year?”

94. “What is your favorite movie?”

95. “Write down any acts of kindness you received or witnessed in the past week.”

96. “What is your favorite way to relax?”

97. “What is a song that makes you feel at peace?”

98. “What is your favorite path to walk near your home?”

99. “List five people you care about.”

100. “Write down your favorite meal and where you were when you last ate it.”

101. “What is the most beautiful plant near your home?”

Gratitude Journal Prompts About Love & Family

102. “What’s one small thing someone does for you every day, and why do you appreciate it/how does it make your life easier?”

103. “What’s something you can do or say to a loved one daily?”

104. “What habits help you be a better person around your friends/family/partner?”

105. “Who are you most grateful for in your life?”

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106. “What’s one thing you told a close friend? How did they help you?”

107. “What’s a beautiful or positive memory you have from childhood?”

108. “Write down one compliment a loved one gave you. Place it somewhere you can see it every day.”

109. “When have you been a good friend to someone?”

110. “Name one good thing your parents or a family member taught you.”

111. “Name a loved one who used to be in your life. What do you appreciate about your time with them?”

112. “Who’s someone important in your life? What do you love about them?”

113. “Is there something you haven’t told a person you love? When can you tell them?”

114. “Who is the one person you can rely on no matter what?”

115. “If you have a pet you love, write about how they improve your life.”

116. “What’s one thing a loved one has done for you that you appreciate?”

117. “List some acts of kindness towards your loved ones that you can easily incorporate into your life.”

118. “List some of the blessings you have that are because of your family.”

119. “How can you show your friends/family/kids how much they mean to you?”

120. “Name a time a loved one listened to you.”

Gratitude Journal Prompts To Practice Self-Esteem

121. “What positive attributes do other people see in you?”

122. “What is going well in your life right now?”

123. “In which areas of your life have you grown the most? How can you show yourself credit for those achievements?”

124. “What’s one thing you would tell your younger self? Why are you grateful you know this now?”

125. “What’s a positive mindset change you’ve had before and how did it feel to replace negatives with positives.”

126. “Write about a time you felt a burst of inspiration and were able to act upon it.”

127. “When did you show bravery and courage?”

128. “What’s something you’ve learned that you didn’t know last year?”

129. “Describe how you feel when you’re engrossed in your favorite hobby.”

130. “If you could tell your future self five things you are grateful for right now, what would they be?”

131. “What are the top three things that make you proud of yourself in your personal life?”

132. “What self-improvement resources do you have access to? Why are you grateful for them?”

133. “What’s one negative thing you’ve done that ultimately led to you becoming a better person?”

134. “Name a time you were honest with yourself. How did that help you become a better person?”

135. “List different ways you’re able to explore and express creativity in your life, and how your creativity makes a positive impact.”

136. “What’s one thing you like about yourself?”

137. “What are five qualities you love about yourself?”

138. “What are you better at now than you were a year ago?”

139. “What personality traits do you have that you love and are thankful for?”

Gratitude Journal Prompts To Focus On Health & Body

140. “What’s one positive thing your body allows you to do every day?”

141. “How have you shown your body respect today?”

142. “What are three things that make your body feel good?”

143. “What is one thing you can do to show your body appreciation?”

144. “What’s one thing you regularly eat that nourishes your body?”

145. “What parts of your body feel strong and capable?”

146. “What is something about your body that you take for granted?”

147. “What’s your favorite food or meal to enjoy and why?”

148. “In what ways are you healthy?”

149. “What’s one unique quality about your body that no one else has?”

150. “How can you help others appreciate their body?”

151. “What outfits make you feel positive about your body image?”

152. “What’s one compliment you’ve had about your body?”

153. “Note down one change in your body. How is that change bringing positivity into your life?”

154. “Name one color you like on your body and why (e.g., hair, skin, eyes, tattoos).”

155. “What exercise do you enjoy the most and why?”

156. “Who has a positive influence on your body image and self esteem?”

157. “What body part do you need to practice the most gratitude towards?”

158. “Name one way your health helps you every day..”

159. “What are you doing at the moment that’s good for your body?”

160. “What’s one function your body has that other people don’t?”

161. “What’s one aspect of your body that you like and appreciate?”

Gratitude Journal Prompts To Reduce Stress

162. “What are 3 actions or habits that I want to practice again next week/month?”

163. “What are the top 10 things stressing you out? For each one, write some solutions and a positive spin.”

164. “Who or what in your life are you happy to have let go?”

165. “Who have you not thanked for something they did for you?”

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166. “What would you tell your teenage self?”

167. “What are 3 amazing things that happened today? How can I experience these things more often?”

168. “Write yourself a thank-you letter. Something you wish someone would say/write to you.”

169. “What does pausing to say “thank you” do for your mindset? “

170. “What are three of your greatest accomplishments?”

171. “What do I have now that I didn’t have five years ago?”

172. “What about your upbringing or past experiences are you most grateful for?”

173. “What was your favorite vacation?”

174. “What is a mistake you’ve made that ultimately led to a positive experience?”

175. “What is one physical trait you like about yourself?”

176. “What’s your favorite thing about this time in your life? “

177. “What is something you love about nature?”

Famous Gratitude Journal Quotes

178. “What is a great book you’ve recently read?”

179. “What is your favorite part of your daily routine?”

180. “What do you love most about your country?”

181. “What is your favorite food you love to indulge in?”

182. “What do other people like about you?”

183. “How is your life more positive today than it was a year ago?”

184. “What is your favorite movie and why do you love it?”

185. “List 10 skills you have that most people don’t possess.”

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186. “What is your favorite T.V. show and why do you love it?”

187. “What is your favorite holiday and why do you love it?”

188. “Describe a favorite pet and what you love(d) about it.”

189. “List 10 things you are looking forward to in the next year.”

190. “Describe the last time someone helped you solve a problem at work.”

191. “Write about a recent obstacle you faced and how you overcame it.”

192. “Write about someone who makes your life better.”

How Can Reading Gratitude Journal Prompts Be Beneficial?

Reading gratitude journal prompts can be beneficial in a number of ways. 

First and foremost, gratitude journal prompts can help to shift our mindset towards a more positive outlook. 

By focusing on the things that we are grateful for, even in the midst of challenging times, we can start to cultivate a greater sense of happiness, contentment, and well-being.

Additionally, reading gratitude journal prompts can provide inspiration for our own journaling practice. 

Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to writing in a journal, and reading prompts can help to jumpstart our creativity and guide our writing in a more intentional way. 

Gratitude journal prompts can also help us to identify and appreciate the things that we may have taken for granted, such as our relationships, our health, and our daily routines.

Finally, reading gratitude journal prompts can be a helpful reminder to practice gratitude on a regular basis. 

We all lead busy lives, and it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stresses and challenges. 

But taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on the things that we are grateful for can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. 

By reading gratitude journal prompts on a regular basis, we can be reminded of the importance of gratitude and make it a more intentional part of our daily routine.

Next Steps

Implementing gratitude journal prompts into daily life is a simple but effective way to cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and well-being. 

Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Set aside time each day: Choose a time each day that works best for you to write in your journal. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before you go to bed. Make it a regular part of your routine.
2. Choose a prompt: Select a gratitude journal prompt that resonates with you or inspires you. There are many different prompts available online or in books, ranging from simple questions like “What am I grateful for today?” to more specific prompts like “What is one thing that happened today that I am grateful for?”
3. Reflect on your response: Take a few minutes to reflect on your response to the prompt. Write down your thoughts and feelings in your journal. Be honest and authentic in your writing, and don’t worry about being perfect or profound.
4. Practice consistency: Make a commitment to write in your gratitude journal on a regular basis. Start with a small goal, such as writing for just five minutes a day, and gradually increase the amount of time as you build the habit.
5. Celebrate your progress: Take time to celebrate your progress and acknowledge the positive impact that gratitude journaling is having on your life. Whether it’s noticing a shift in your mindset or feeling more connected to the people and things you are grateful for, take time to appreciate the benefits of your practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Journal Prompt?

A journal prompt is a question, topic, or statement that is designed to inspire and guide writing in a journal. 

Journal prompts can take many different forms, from simple questions like “What did you do today?” to more complex prompts that ask the writer to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 

The purpose of a journal prompt is to provide a starting point for writing, to help the writer explore their thoughts and feelings in a more structured and intentional way. 

Journal prompts can be used for a variety of purposes, including self-reflection, goal setting, creative writing, and personal growth. 

By using journal prompts regularly, writers can gain insight into their own experiences, develop a deeper understanding of themselves, and improve their writing skills. 

Journal prompts can also be used in group settings, such as writing workshops or therapy sessions, to facilitate discussion and reflection. 

Overall, journal prompts are a useful tool for anyone looking to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop their writing skills, or promote personal growth and self-awareness.

What If I Can’t Think Of Anything To Write For The Gratitude Journal Prompt?

This is a common concern for those who are new to gratitude journaling. 

One suggestion is to start small and focus on simple things that you are grateful for, such as a warm cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset. 

You can also try using different prompts or asking yourself different questions to help spark your creativity. 

Remember that the goal is not to come up with a perfect or profound response, but simply to practice gratitude on a regular basis.

How Often Should I Write In My Gratitude Journal?

There is no set rule for how often you should write in your gratitude journal. Some people prefer to write in their journal daily, while others may choose to write a few times a week or whenever they feel inspired. 

The most important thing is to make gratitude journaling a regular part of your routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. 

Consistency is key when it comes to developing a gratitude practice that is sustainable and impactful.

Continue Reading: 30 Types Of Journaling To Help You Cultivate Mindfulness, Creativity, And Self-Awareness