Lifestyle

365 Days of Gratitude

February 16, 2021

My one resolution for 2021 is to keep a daily gratitude journal. Now that I’m over a month into the practice, I want to share my experience thus far with you and challenge you to keep a gratitude log of your own.

There’s a lot of fascinating research on the effects of practicing gratitude, but simply put, a conscious focus on the positives in our lives boosts our overall happiness. I’ve found this to be true in the first month of my gratitude practice, and it amazes me how many things I have to be thankful for on even the seemingly worst of days.

My Routine: Daily Gratitude Journaling

To remind me to write in my gratitude journal, I have a daily alarm set on my phone for 9:45 pm, which is typically the time I’m winding down at the end of the day. When my phone dings, that’s my cue to turn my attention to my journal and begin reflecting on my day. I find that this is a delightful way to relax before bed. It puts my mind at ease to focus on the bright spots of my day and all of the things I have to be thankful for. I’ve also noticed that this ritual helps alleviate the “Sunday scaries” feeling/bedtime anxiety that I sometimes fall victim to.

Outside of my nightly ritual, I also read through my past journal entries when I’m having a difficult day. This soothes me and helps me contextualize the problems of a day within the larger framework of all the blessings in my life. For example, after a stressful day at work, my old journal entries have been a gentle reminder of how fortunate I am to be employed during a global pandemic that has caused many people to lose their jobs. This isn’t to say that negative feelings aren’t valid, but rather that my gratitude practice has helped me see things through a more positive lens, which, in turn, has improved my overall mood.

My Daily Gratitude Journal

Is there anything better than a pretty notebook? As frivolous as it may seem, I knew finding the right journal would motivate me to stick to my resolution. I searched high and low until I found CGD London’s 365 Days of Gratitude Journal. I love that it has a designated page for each day of the year. I also appreciate the simple, unobtrusive daily prompts: Today I am thankful for, Things that made me smile today, and Three things I want to remember about today.

If pink isn’t your thing, the journal comes in a gorgeous blue and gold version, too. I’ve also linked some other gratitude journals I like below.

Shop Gratitude Journals

365 Days of Gratitude Challenge

Now that I’ve experienced firsthand the positive impacts of keeping a daily gratitude journal, I’m inviting you, my lovely reader, to do the same!

While many of you may share my affinity for beautiful notebooks, you don’t need a fancy diary to keep a gratitude log. A simple composition notebook, legal pad, or even the notes app on your phone will work. Pick a journal (physical or digital), set a daily reminder on your phone, and join me in the 365 Days of Gratitude Challenge!

To keep us accountable, I’ll share a few things I’ve written in my gratitude journal each month in my On My Radar posts, and I’d love if you commented sharing some of yours as well. I can’t wait to see where this practice takes us!