As a new year begins, many of us feel the pull to reset and be more intentional with our days. One simple, meaningful practice that fits beautifully into this season is gratitude journaling — a simple way to slow down and notice the good that’s already present.
What Is a Gratitude Journal?
A gratitude journal is simply a place to record the things you’re thankful for — big or small — each day. It’s one of the most practical ways to train your mind and heart toward thankfulness and a more positive outlook.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always found journaling a little intimidating. It’s not that I don’t see the value — it’s just that my perfectionist tendencies tend to make things more complicated than they need to be.
There are tons of gratitude journals out there (a quick peek on Amazon will prove it 😲). But honestly, all those beautiful pages with prompts, pictures, and categories can feel like a bit much. If you’re anything like me, gratitude journaling will only work if I don’t overthink it — which means keeping it simple.
The whole point is to consciously practice gratitude every day — not to add another task or checklist to an already full plate.
Learning how to start a gratitude journal doesn’t require the right supplies — just a willingness to begin.
Here are three simple tips on how to start a gratitude journal that actually works for you.
1. Know Thyself
As I hinted earlier, what works for your best friend might not work for you — and that’s perfectly okay. It’s not about right or wrong; it’s about personality. What energizes one person might completely overwhelm another.
So first, take an honest look at what will or won’t work for you. Don’t force a method that feels unnatural — that’s a quick path to frustration.
For example, I’d feel burdened by one of those fancy, structured journals from Amazon. They look lovely, but for me, it turns the joy of gratitude into another to-do. I need something simple and flexible.
- If you’re a digital person, jot down three things you’re grateful for each day in your phone’s Notes app.
- If you’re a verbal processor, make gratitude a dinner-table conversation. Have each family member share one or two things they’re thankful for, and record them on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or even sticky notes on the wall.
- If you love to write, grab a notebook you enjoy and make it a purposeful daily habit.
➥ The best gratitude journal is the one you’ll actually use.
2. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Don’t get bogged down with the extras — stay focused on being grateful.
When we try to build a new positive habit, it’s easy to overcomplicate it. You might buy a beautifully designed gratitude journal filled with prompts, quotes, and categories — and suddenly find yourself more focused on completing each section than on the simple act of giving thanks.
So remember your purpose: to grow in daily gratitude. If your method feels like busywork or you find yourself striving for “perfect journaling,” it’s time to simplify.
Your gratitude journal should help you notice God’s goodness, not distract you from it. Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or polished — it’s meant to be lived out daily, right where you are.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
3. Start —> How to Start a Gratitude Journal That Works for You
Now that you’ve chosen your method and set your focus, there’s only one thing left to do: start.
Pick any cliché you like — they all fit perfectly here:
“There’s no time like the present.”
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
“Don’t wait for perfect — just start.”
If you’re ready to begin but want a simple tool to support your practice, here are two journal options that can help you get started right away:
- Simple Gratitude Journal Book – This one includes a daily prompt for the date and day, a “Today I’m thankful for…” section, and a short Bible verse for reflection. It’s perfect if you like gentle structure and a bit of daily inspiration.
- Plain Journal – This version offers clean, lined pages with no prompts, giving you the freedom to write, doodle, or combine different types of journaling however you like.
If you’re leaning toward a shared, family-wide gratitude practice, a chalkboard can be a simple and meaningful option–check out these Chalkboard Options where you can browse through chalkboards of all sizes to find one that suits your family.
It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be honest and genuine. Your gratitude practice may not look like anyone else’s, and that’s exactly as it should be. 😊
In Closing
So there you have it — three simple steps on how to start a gratitude journal that truly works for you:
- Choose a journaling method that feels natural and not burdensome.
- Keep your focus on the heart of gratitude, not the form.
- Start today — even if it’s just one line of thankfulness.
Whether you use a guided journal with prompts and verses or a blank notebook that lets your thoughts flow freely, the key is consistency. As you make gratitude part of your daily rhythm, you’ll begin to notice more goodness, more joy, and more of God’s hand in the details of your life.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
— James 1:17
P.S. If this new year has you feeling reflective, you may also enjoy my post, How to Do a Meaningful Year-End Review: No Resolutions Needed. It’s a simple, honest way to look back with gratitude and move forward with intention.