AD – GIFTED | Did you ever keep a diary to record what happened to you and your feelings? It’s actually very similar with a gratitude journal, although this time you’re only focusing on the good things. And if you’re a beginner, and don’t know where to start, gratitude journal prompts can help. Because the physical act of writing is both calming and clarifying (instead of all that frenetic texting). Gratitude journaling can improve mental health, lower stress, help you focus, put things into perspective, and realign your priorities. And it’s a reminder of things you’re grateful for, thankful for, and something positive you can look back on when times are dark.
Choosing a gratitude journal
As a beginner, I found choosing my gratitude journal was the hardest part of getting started! Who else has a collection of notebooks that they don’t want to start in case they mess them up?! Try looking for a gratitude journal with prompts to get you going. Amazon* and Etsy* are both good places to start, they have heaps of journals that come with gratitude prompts.
Or, even better, why not make your own? Make it a scrapbook – much like a BuJo – because remember, this is YOUR Gratitude Journal. And if you’re going to start one, and stick to it, it has to be something that you want to use.
How to start your gratitude journal
Don’t aim too high, think of one thing you’re grateful for each day. My first entry was actually managing to choose and start my new gratitude journal! Then try it for a week and see how you get on. Aim for quality over quantity though. Try and set 10 minutes aside each day to write something down.
Writing is a muscle, the more you use it, the easier it becomes, but absolutely don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day. Journaling for beginners is something that needs to be easy, not a chore.
As for gratitude journaling ideas, start with what makes you feel good. Scented candles, a bath with essential oils, going for a walk, stroking your pet, baking a cake, fresh flowers for the house, walking barefoot on the grass, swimming in the sea, growing your own food, learning something new, overcoming a fear that was holding you back.
Do you see where I’m going with this? It’s about choosing gratitude journaling prompts that make YOU feel happy. And if you’re still stuck, I’ve put together a list of 20 simple gratitude prompts for beginners (please feel free to pin them) or you can download a free printable here too.
Making time for me
The last entry on my printable is, in many ways, the most important for me. Because if you’re starting and keeping a gratitude journal, you need to make time for it. Sadly, my beloved watch (inherited from my mother) recently stopped working. So I was absolutely delighted when First Class Watches * got in touch and asked if I’d like to choose a watch from their gorgeous range of timepieces.
First Class Watches have been trading as a brand authorised watch shop online for over 10 years. Every watch is authentic, sourced from the official UK distribution channels, and comes complete with a stamped manufacturer’s guarantee, full instructions and box. They also offer international delivery, a 30 day returns policy and a brilliant “Make Us an Offer” service available to use on all their designer watches.
With over 60 of the best watch brands to choose from, such as Citizen, Seiko, Armani Exchange, TW Steel, Casio, DKNY, Rotary, Calvin Klein and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But as I’ve loved Olivia Burton watches and jewellery for AGES, it took me no time at all to choose my beautiful new Olivia Burton watch! *
Olivia Burton watch details
I’m a fan of classic, simple, elegant timepieces that go with everything: a t-shirt, a dress, a suit. And I believe accessories can make or break an outfit. Even the simplest white shirt and jeans combo can look luxe with the right watch and jewellery. So this simple yet sophisticated Olivia Burton watch with gold mesh strap and large vintage-style dial is perfect for me. (I chose gold, as all my jewellery is gold but it also comes in rose gold and silver too).
And it comes with a 2-year guarantee, instruction manual, and the reassuringly official Olivia Burton packaging. Delivery was super fast – I ordered on a Thursday and it arrived on the Friday. Just in time for the weekend.
I’ve been wearing my gorgeous new watch pretty much constantly for the last four weeks and I’ve had sooooo many compliments about it. It’s just beautiful, not too heavy but with sufficient weight to feel comfortable. And yes, it does go with everything (although obviously I won’t be wearing it to do any gardening…).
I’m still as thrilled with it today as I was when it arrived, it’s my favourite new piece of jewellery too. And it made for one very happy entry in my gratitude journal 😉 I honestly can’t fault First Class Watches in any way. Which is probably why they have such a high Trustpilot rating (4.9 out of 5 based on 9,070 reviews). And with a huge range of choice, fast delivery, payment options, and that amazing Make Us an Offer too, what more could you want from any watch store?
Is gratitude journaling for you?
If you don’t already keep a gratitude journal, then I hope this post has helped convince you of some of the benefits. As I said, getting started with journalling is probably the hardest part. But if you’re still stuck for inspiration, then I’d recommend heading over to Pinterest. There’s a positive plethora of gratitude journal prompts for beginners on there, as well as some lovely ideas for tracking wellness, and gorgeous journal design layouts as well. And then, when you do find your perfect journal prompts, maybe one of them could be your first journal entry too 🙂
Do you keep a gratitude journal? Did you choose a gratitude journal with prompts or did you create your own? Where do you look for inspiration when you come to write in it? And has it helped you to feel more positive in your day to day life?
* This post features a gifted item and affiliate links but all opinions are my own, please see my Disclaimer.
What a lovely watch! A gratitude journal sounds like a nice way to end the day and it would be fun to look back on over the years! 🙂
Hope that you had a lovely weekend! 🙂 We had a nice day yesterday at the photo studio picking out some photos after our family photo shoot last week!
That’s it exactly, a nice way to end the day, and a keepsake as well, thank you! We had a great weekend and it sounds like you did too – how exciting to have some professional photos!
Oh Lisa! Great prompts, I do love to journal. It’s so important for me to have some place to write it all down.
I love the watches too, I just use my Fitbit but it would be lovely on a night out to have something pretty that Is not bright pink!
Thank you, Claire, coming from you, the Journaling Queen, that’s lovely to hear! And yes, I think a lovely watch is definitely in order for future nights out 🙂
I don’t have a gratitude journal but at every bed time we list with children the nicest things about the day. Sometimes it’s just going to McDonalds but if often it’s about playing with friends and being together. It’s our version of showing gratitude.
Ps. That watch is beautiful 💖
That is such a lovely tradition – Flora sometimes keeps a happiness jar, which is similar, although she writes hers the next morning. I love the bedtime idea though – and thank you! x
The watch is so beautiful 😍. I have a journal but some days I forget to write in it. I really need to make it a habit because it is really helpful. Thanks for sharing
It is, isn’t it? 🙂 And that’s great to hear you journal too, but don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s meant to be helpful, not a chore!
I started a bullet journal last month and I need to add some gratitude pages to it. It’s such a good idea to write things like this down. When I stop and think about it I have so much to be grateful for. And it definitely makes me happy when I acknowledge it. Love your new watch! I do have a weakness for a pretty watch.
Oh yes, writing things down means you remember them – it’s all too easy to forget our blessings or become overwhelmed by other “stuff” – and thank you!
I’ve worked with First Class Watches before and I loved them. I absolutely adoreeee your pick! It’s so pretty and even the box is to die for <3 These are fantastic journal prompts too. I want to journal more but sometimes I just don't find the words and it feels like a waste of time but journal prompts can really open your eyes and heart into what you're actually feeling. Thanks for sharing Lisa xxxx
They are amazing, aren’t they? One of the loveliest companies to work with! I’d forgotten you worked with them previously, I’ll have read your blog and remind myself which watch you chose now. And thank you, I was a little wary about sharing prompts because they can be personal but then I thought they might be helpful for others too, so that’s great you thought so! xxxx
I’ve been looking for things to write in my new journal, thanks for these great ideas!
You’re very welcome, I’m glad they were helpful!
Great post! Thank you for sharing! The watch looks so nice! I’m planning on starting a journal soon so this is very useful!
It’s a gorgeous watch, I love it 🙂 And that’s great timing, I hope you enjoy it!
I love writing in my gratitude journal – it makes a MASSIVE difference to my outlook on life and my mood. That Olivia Burton watch is gorgeous btw x
Roni
Oh that’s sooooo good to hear, it really can do, can’t it? And yes, I know, lucky me! x
Yep, I have a gratitude journal. I write and doodled a lot on it. Hehehe.
Great to hear that!
The watch is gorgeous! It’s very elegant too. I’m not keen on journals because I start them, but in a couple of days I stop writing anything in them.
Yes, I love it! And that’s the challenge – starting and keeping going 🙂
I’ve been really debating starting journal-ling but I can never pick a journal either! Thanks for the tips.
You’re welcome, I’m glad they were helpful – good luck!
Lovely post, and these photos are gorgeous! I should definitely look into getting a gratitude journal soon.
Thank you – I hope you do 🙂
Journalling is so important for self care! I like your prompts, they are a great way to really reflect on your day. Sometimes we need prompts, and I like that these are ones that happen every day (mostly) if we really think about it.
Lovely watch!
I think prompts can be helpful – we don’t need to follow them but they might inspire us to get going 🙂
I need to perservere with journalling more because I really like this idea and your prompts for gratitude journalling!! Great post x
Thank you, I’m so glad they might be helpful x
Oooh I have wanted to start a gratitude journal for a long time and this post has definitely shown me the benefits! Really lovely written Lisa!
Rachel- rachtalksbusiness.com
Oh thank you so much, that’s so lovely of you! I hope you do start one soon then 🙂
Oh my gosh, that watch is just stunning 😍
I absolutely love the idea of a Gratitude Journal! I’ve always got a spare diary knocking about the place. Thanks for the prompts, they’ll come in handy as I’ve never kept a Gratitude Journal before! xx
It really is, isn’t it? I feel so lucky! Good luck if you do start a Gratitude Journal – I hope the prompts will help! x
I love how creatively you tie up the watch with making time for journaling. I love the style and color and size of the watch; I went looking for something akin to it when I wanted a watch a couple years back!
I love big, black pens with thick lettering for writing down my daily gratitude reflections. A scented candle also always helps.
Thank you, Jaya, that’s very kind 🙂 FCW do deliver overseas if you’re still looking! And yes, a scented candle ALWAYS helps.
I’ve kept a journal before, I just find it difficult keeping track of time to keep it up to date! There’s always something to write about, even if it’s just writing a few about something that happened in your day
Yes, I think that’s true. But you don’t need to write a lot, it’s more about a note of what made you happy and the act of writing. As you say, there’s nearly always something to record!
I think your post may have just swayed me into making my very own gratitude journal! I am trying to become a more positive person and I think a gratitude journal sounds like such a great way to help me along the way! Also, I love the watch, it’s absolutely stunning!!x
Oh my goodness, that’s so wonderful to read, thank you, I hope you do! And yes, I feel extremely lucky 🙂 x
A stunning watch Lisa, so elegant! I like the thought of a gratitude journal a lovely way to end each day I must start one!
Sarah
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? And yes, I hope you do, it’s such a lovely way to end the day 🙂
I love the idea of having a gratitude journal and I’ve started them before but never continued them, but I think I’m ready to try again! Thank you for sharing this.
That’s wonderful, I’m so happy to hear this!
Practising gratitude regularly is so important that’s why I do it everyday. Before bed, I often write down all the things I’m thankful for. Doing this also helps me sleep better.
Oh it really is, and I do find before bed is the best time for me too. It’s mind-clearing and relaxing.
Thanks for sharing, these wonderful ideas for a gradtitude journal, I have one these I bought, but I never have got round to start to fill it in, hopefully one day I will start it! 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
You’re so welcome, I’m really pleased they might be helpful to you – good luck with yours!
Thank you for the reminder that I need to get back to journaling. It always started (and ended) my day on the right foot!
Oh, you’re welcome – good to hear you’re a journal fan too 🙂
These are some great ideas gal! Definitely going to take note for my bujo!
Yay, that’s great to hear, thank you!
This is excellent. I have a gratitude journal. Right now, most days feel the same and I have a hard time thinking of what to write. These are great suggestions. Thanks.
Oh, you’re so welcome, I’m so pleased you journal and these might be useful 🙂
I love all of these prompts you shared! “finishing a book I loved” and “something that made me laugh” are 2 of my favorites! It’s so important to express gratitude daily to keep a positive mindset 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Yes, it really is, it’s all to easy to forget these things – I’m glad you liked my prompts, haha!
Hurrah for the gratitude journal! The more people we can convince to partake in this daily habit, the more happiness we can spread. Keep it up.
Thank you – and that’s a wonderful way to look at it!
I’ve been trying to gratitude journal, and to be honest have been finding it hard work. These prompts are going to be very helpful.
I think getting into the swing of anything right now is hard so I hope these will help 🙂
These are such good tips! ☺️
I often find it hard knowing what to jot down so I’ll use this to get started!
I love that watch by the way! It’s stunning!
Love Lozza x
Thank you, I’m so glad they are helpful – and yes, I feel super lucky! x
Love the ideas of gratitude journal ! Especially in these times it’s easy to forget how much the little things mean
Yes, that’s exactly it, we need to hold on to the little things!
I haven’t really tried gratitude journalling before, but it sounds like a great way of taking a positive from each day. I bet it will be great to look back on. I have so many notebooks that are blank as I don’t want to mess them up 😂
Also that watch is just stunning! So simple yet elegant!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Oh, a fellow notebook fan, I have far too many, I simply MUST start using them 🙂 And yes, thank you, I absolutely adore my new watch!
Loving the gratitude prompts. I’ve never kept a journal but I did have a mindfulness app that encouraged you to log 3 things you were grateful for each day. At first I kept saying big things like family or friends. But as time went on I was able to think of smaller things which I may have otherwise not noticed in the day or taken for granted. I think it made me more aware of the small things in life which put a smile on my face!
Oh that’s so interesting that your app helped you to scale down and focus on the little things. It’s very often the smaller things that slip past us so I think this is lovely!
I love the idea of a gratitude journal! Thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
That watch is so pretty. I am curious about just how small it adjusts down for those with smaller wrists. I often have to purchase children’s sized watches which kills the look… You don’t find many children’s watches that look classy or feminine. Instead, I end up sticking with more of a sporty watch look.
It is, isn’t it? And it adjusts down quite small, I have narrow wrists too, which was why I wanted a watch with an easily adjustable strap. I do know what you mean about kids’ watches not quite topping off your outfit, haha!
Aw I love this! My partner and I share gratitudes with each other each night but I would love to start a journal. I like that your prompts can be big or small things – all things we can be grateful for!
Thank you so much – I think that’s lovely that you and your partner swap gratitudes each night, something I’d like to start doing now too 🙂
Gratitude journaling is such a strong tool in our overall well-being! Many can’t even imagine how huge the effects can be once you start. My life turned upside down when I started practicing gratitude every single day and now it’s a lifestyle that I don’t even notice. What ever happens I always find the good sides without even thinking about it.
Teresa Maria | Outlandish Blog
That is just the most amazing testament to the benefits of Gratitude Journaling, Teresa. It’s fantastic that you can always find the good, what a brilliant outlook to have achieved!
First I starter journal and that I realize that every day I wrote for what I’m grateful and now I have only gratitude journal. Watch look very beautiful.
That’s how you get started, it sounds great – and thank you!
Great post on Gratitude. And I liked the prompts given by you. They are much more helpful and I’ll include in my gratitude journal as well.
Oh thank you, that’s so kind of you, I’m glad they are useful 🙂
I’ve finally started my own gratitude journal after hemming and hawing for so long. I try to write down 5 things a day for which I’m grateful. I keep having trouble reigning in the scope of my gratitude…like, should I write that I’m grateful I’m not starving on the streets? Or that I worked out today? Maybe I’m overthinking it, lol. Either way, I’ll definitely look to your prompts for inspiration. Thanks!
Oh my goodness, 5 things a day is a lot to be grateful for! I go for one, because I can always find at least one thing – I never thought about the bigger picture though, perhaps I need to step up now 🙂
That watch is beautiful! It’s been years since I’ve worn a watch (as a lot of then contain nickel which I’m allergic too), but this one is definitely my style.
I’ve never used a gratitude journal before but I think it’s a lovely idea. It helps you appreciate the good things in your life. These are some great prompts too.
It is beautiful, I feel so lucky, it goes with everything! And yes, I do find gratitude journaling has a way of reminding me of the good things in life, you’re right!
I don’t have a specific journal but I do love to think about/ make a note of things I am grateful for every day! Also love those watches they are beautiful xx
Flora has a happiness jar, which is similar, but not as structured – and thank you!
I love these prompts! I don’t have a gratitude journal but I write lists of what I’m grateful for and it keeps me grounded. Great post!
Thank you so much – and I think lists work perfectly well too, they achieve the same thing!
I adore the watch you picked, Olivia Burton has some incredible pieces to be honest! I’ve looked into gratitude journalling before but I’ve not been sure about it. Thanks for sharing x
It’s gorgeous, isn’t it? I feel so lucky to have been able to choose it. TBH I don’t journal every day, but that’s OK, it’s my journal! x
Great post! I love the idea of a gratitude journal; what a neat way to track your blessings. Also, the watch is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you 🙂 And yes, it’s beautiful, the perfect accompaniment to the post!
While I have been journalling off and on for years now, I really haven’t done much gratitude journalling but it’s something I keep thinking about trying. I like these prompts so I will give them a try. I love the look of that watch.
Thank you, Sarah, that’s so good to hear, I hope the prompts will be helpful – and yes, it’s a gorgeous watch!
I always wanted to have a diary but never actually did. But after reading your post Lisa I think it is a great idea to have a gratitude journal where I note down some happy things. And yes I have a few lovely notebooks that I don’t want to ruin hehehe. I like your prompts will give it a try. And love that watch. You chose a very beautiful one. 🙂
Thank you, Via, I hope you do use some of your lovely notebooks, it’s such a good way to fill them up!
That watch look very pretty and I like your photos.
Thank you so much 🙂
This is great for keeping a positive attitude! That watch looks beautiful 🙂
Thank you, Nikki 🙂
Choosing the right journal is important. At the same time, you also want to make it yours, so choose something that fits you. I like the idea of being able to customize it however you want. All of these different prompts are great – I like that it is open-ended where you can take it wherever you want. The Olivia Burton watch is super cute as well. I have a few journals – my work one is probably closest to a gratitude journal since I always write thoughtful prompts in it. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ✨
Ah, thank you so much, Nancy, that’s exactly what I was aiming for, something open-ended and not prescriptive. And that’s so interesting your work journal is your gratitude journal, I’m not sure many of us could say the same!
Oh wow what a stunning watch! I’ve always wanted an Olivia Burton watch, they’re so beautiful. I’ve never tried a gratitude journal before, but it sounds like something I would enjoy xo
Makeup Muddle
It’s so beautiful, I feel incredibly lucky 🙂 and yes, do give a journal a go, it’s a wonderful record to keep! x
I hadn’t thought about keeping a gratitude journal before. Now I should definitely look into getting a gratitude journal soon. The watch is amazing!
Oh yes, it’s such a lovely thing to do – and thank you, I’m very lucky!
When I was in high school, I used to keep journal, but now I don’t. I think it would be nice to start a gratitude journal though. I would definitely need help coming up with prompts so the ones you included would be a great start!
Also, the watch you picked out is beautiful!
Ah, thank you, that’s so good to hear – I hope you do start a journal again 🙂 And yes, I feel very lucky, it’s a gorgeous watch!
Hi, Lisa! I really like how you have stated so many benefits of writing a journal! I always maintain one and it is always fun to read through some of the happiest days! More power to you!
Thank you, Camila, that’s wonderful to hear – gratitude journals are such helpful habits 🙂
Great post Lisa! Lovely watch too, I only own two really nice watches, one was my mom’s that she’s passed on to me. Thanks for sharing everything!
Ah, thank you, Giulia, that’s very kind – glad you still have your mum’s watch too – treasured memories! x
I have wanted to start a gratitude journal for a long time and this post has definitely shown me the benefits!
Thank you, I’m glad it was helpful 🙂
I’ve always wanted to keep a diary but have never done so. However, after reading your post, Lisa, I believe that keeping a thankfulness journal in which I record pleasant events is a terrific idea. And yes, I do have a couple excellent notebooks that I don’t want to squander. I like your prompts and will try them out. And I adore that timepiece. You picked a pretty lovely one.
Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy keeping a gratitude journal in the future and that these prompts may help 🙂
Everyone needs a little motivation now and then, and these quotations are perfect for that. Thank you very much for your work! I wish for everyone to be able to fly when they fall.
That’s a lovely way of looking at things, thank you 🙂