There are so many benefits to journaling but gratitude journaling in particular is an amazing way to begin or end your day! Philippians says if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, to think on such things. A gratitude journal can help you do just that. Ready to learn more? Let's jump right in!

Benefits of keeping a gratitude journal:

• Improves mental health - Journaling is an amazing way to get your thoughts out into the open and onto paper. There's something very fulfilling about putting your grateful thoughts into the world around you.
• Improves relationships - Often, when your write your thoughts down, they tend to stick with you throughout the day. Try acting on your gratitude, let someone know how grateful you are for them or for something they did to help you out.
• Increases happiness - They say you can really only focus on one thing at a time so why not focus on what you're thankful for? If you're going about your day thinking of all the great things happening in your life, there's no room for doubt or ungratefulness.
• Increases resiliency - This one goes along with the above mentioned happiness note. When you magnify the good, it's so much easier to ignore or block out the bad. It's like a gratefulness force field!
• Increases motivation - If you're really thankful for the things in your life, you're going to be an overall happier person, thus making you more motivated to get out there and make your life (or someone else's life) that much brighter.

How can you get started journaling?

Your journal can always just start out with a list of a few things you're thankful for each day. Once you get the hang of it you might want to start writing more. Here are some ideas to get you started on your gratitude journaling journey. With time you'll find that it gets easier to write and it actually becomes something you look forward to!

• How are you able to help others?

• What was the last prayer that the Lord answered for you?
• What’s a possession that makes your life easier?
• Who is someone who has blessed you this week/month/year?
• What’s something or someone that makes you feel safe?
• What physical ability are you most grateful for?
• What do you like about your job?
• What book(s) are you grateful for?
• What did you accomplish today?
• What is your favorite part of each day?
• What is something you have today that you prayed about receiving for a long time?
• What’s a tradition that you’re grateful for?
• What went right today?
• What’s one of your accomplishments
• What’s something that you’re looking forward to?
• How has God changed your life  in the past year?
• What is something that you used to struggle with but have now overcome?
• What’s a simple pleasure that you’re grateful for?
• Share a happy memory.
• What part of God’s creation are you most thankful for?

Now, grab a notebook and start writing! We think you're really going to love this fun daily (or maybe weekly) addition to your routine.

*To download: hold your finger down on an image and download/save to your phone then set as your wallpaper!