Resources

Little helpers for a brighter practice

Tips, prompts and reading I've found useful for starting - and keeping - a gratitude journal.

Top five tips

Keeping your gratitude journal going

An open notebook with a pen on a colourful painted table

1
Do it every day
A daily practice is far more likely to become a habit than a weekly one.
2
Do it at the same time every day
I write just before bed, when it's easy to look back over the day.
3
No need to write an essay
Keep it short, so it won't feel like an onerous task.
4
Don't sweat the big stuff
It's often easier to notice the smaller things. Don't put yourself under pressure to think of the big ones.
5
It doesn't need to be perfect
Your partner won't mind about spelling or grammar. Your notes are for you and your benefit.

Stuck for words?

Prompts to get you thinking

Inspired by Tara Mohr and Courtney Martin. Use one when you fancy writing a little more than your three things.

Try this: the “ungrateful” list

At my first talk, people wrote three things they were grateful for - then three that frustrated them. Some found writing down the annoyances helped them park them. It's worth experimenting to see what works for you.