Different Ways to Express Gratitude

Do you want to start a gratitude practice, but you’re not too sure about where to start?

Not to worry – there are a few different options that will make it a simple routine you add to your day. Before too long, you will do it automatically without even having to think about it.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Naturally, our first tip is going to be to have a journal you write your gratitude in. Pick up an inexpensive journal that you would enjoy using, and just start writing down a list of what you are grateful for each day. This also happens to be a great time to start journaling if it is not something you do already.

You might find that in the beginning, you only write a short list of a few things you are grateful for, but then over time you start elaborating and explaining why you are grateful for these things.

Write Gratitude in Your Main Journal

Are you already an avid journal writer? Great! Use that journal for your gratitude. In fact, it can help you get into a positive mindset if you start every journal entry with 3 things you are grateful for, before you start writing your other thoughts.

You can keep it simple, so you don’t feel like your journaling routine is suddenly an hour long. It should only take a few extra minutes to add gratitude, and provides so many amazing benefits.

Be Grateful Throughout the Day

Find moments in your life when you feel the most grateful, not just when you are sitting down to write in your gratitude journal. Say it out loud or just silently to yourself. When you get into your car in the morning, be grateful it started without any issues. If you managed to avoid traffic on the way to work, be grateful for that! There are so many amazing moments in the day that bring you blessings, especially the simple ones people often take for granted.

Start a Gratitude Jar

Another fun way to start a gratitude practice is to use a gratitude jar. Instead of using a journal, you would get post-its or small pieces of paper, write something you are grateful for, and fold it up before placing it in a big jar. This is also an easy way to involve everyone in the family. Make a nightly routine where everyone writes down something they are grateful for, then puts it in the jar.