


Journaling has been an important part of my life for almost thirty years – off and on. I clarify the ‘off and on’ part because although I’ve journaled consistently for months and years at a time – I’ve also gotten ‘busy with life’ and neglected this aspect of introspection for months and years at a time also.
One thing I will admit – I do feel better about life, I feel more proactive and positive, and I feel like I get to know myself better when I consistently journal.
My journaling over the years usually takes one of three forms.
Inner Thoughts and Wonderings – To be honest, this type of journaling is what brings me closer to my inner self – the one that likes to hide from truth and light sometimes. But I have discovered that the older I get, the less prone I am to put these thoughts down on paper. Sometimes the thought crosses my mind – Do I want my children to read these thoughts and inner struggles after I’m gone? And as much as I ADORE finding old diaries, journals, and letters from people from the past…I don’t know if I want to be one leaving these written fragments of my life for others to discover years from now.
Another characteristic of this type of journaling that bothers me from time to time is that I find when I’m in this mode, I usually am writing in a negative frame of mind. It’s everything that’s wrong or not working in my life at the moment. And often I find that I steer away from this because I want to see things from a more optimistic point of view.
Affirmations – Often, instead of journaling inner thoughts and feelings, I turn to writing affirmations. Over and over and over. Repetitive words to better my life, improve my attitude, and focus on the more positive side of life. Unfortunately, I find that I can do this daily for short spurts of time, but eventually I become bored and end up stopping.
Gratitude – What has become my most favorite form of journaling is a gratitude journal. I know you’ve all seen people promoting this at one time or another. Write down three things you’re thankful for, five things, or ten things. Every day. Every morning. Every night. The basic instructions vary a little from one person to the next, but it’s generally the same.
The only downside I discovered with this type of journaling is the repetitive rut that I find myself falling into much too quickly. Five things a day. I start with the same basic ones.
- I’m thankful I woke up.
- I’m thankful I have a job.
- I’m thankful for the food in the pantry and refrigerator.
- I’m thankful for…
And the next day I write my list again. And without fail, it’s almost always virtually the same. Minor tweaks here and there. Small differences if something major happened that day. A call from a grandson. A text from a son. An acceptance on a submission. But typically…it becomes the same-ole-same-ole.
To counteract this problem, I began collecting tips and techniques to help make my gratitude journaling deeper and more reflective of my true appreciation for the blessings that fill my life. Last year, as we were deep in the midst of Covid, I put together some of this information, along with blank journaling pages into two journals. My Gratitude Journal and My Blessings Journal. My blessings journal is more faith-based in nature, sharing inspirational Bible verses and other quotes to inspire, prompt, and lead into a more reflective gratitude.
Here’s a snippet with some gratitude prompts from My Gratitude Journal:
Gratitude Prompts
In the same vein as the Lists of Ten, these prompts are here to encourage you in thinking of all the many different things you have to be thankful for. When you’re feeling stuck, or you’re struggling to come up with specific items that vary from entry to entry, browse the list of prompts below and see if any spark new ideas of appreciation.
People in Your Life
Who would you be unable to live without?
Can you think of a teacher that influenced you in a positive way?
Who is the most inspirational person you know?
How do you feel about your closest friends?
Who was the last person you hugged?
Who did you last say ‘I love you’ to?
Who provides you with a valuable service?
What color makes you feel happiest?
How does it make you feel when you give someone a gift?
Who do you appreciate?
What have others done in your life that you are thankful for?
Who taught you something that you are grateful for?
Who is the one friend you can always rely on?
What is one lesson you learn from rude people?
What is one small, everyday thing that you enjoy with a special person in your life?
What do you like most about your oldest friend?
Your Senses
What sounds can you hear in this present moment?
What five things do you see around you?
What are your favorite foods to eat?
What is your favorite dessert?
How does an ice cream cone on a hot day taste?
How does a gentle breeze brushing across you feel?
What is your favorite texture to feel?
What fragrance do you enjoy smelling the most?
What sounds would you miss if you couldn’t hear them?
What is your favorite sight?
What is your favorite taste?
What is your favorite sensation?
Memories and the Past
What traditions did you enjoy as a child?
What was your favorite childhood vacation?
Did you have a favorite pet growing up?
What is the best gift you’ve received?
Is there a memorable holiday that you will always remember?
What is your favorite memory of a parent?
What is a favorite memory of a grandparent?
What is a favorite memory of growing up with your siblings?
What is a family tradition that you are thankful for?
What is the biggest lesson you learned in childhood?
What is a weird family tradition that you love?
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Opportunities and Blessings
What quote changed your life in some way?
What opportunities have changed your life for the better?
What kindnesses have you experienced?
What material possessions are you thankful for?
Who is associated with something you’re thankful for? (For example, for a nice meal there are the farmers who grew the produce, the truckers that transported it, the grocery workers that got it to your shopping basket, etc.)
What is your favorite charity and why do you support it?