Gratitude Journal – free printable

Each morning I open the Five Minute Journal App on my phone and jot down three things I am grateful for. This digital gratitude journal has really helped me realize that sometimes an attitude of gratitude can turn any misfortune right around. Being thankful for the body we have, flaws and all; the lives we lead; and the choices we’ve made that have lead us to where we are now. In this moment. Let me share a situation that happened recently…

Grateful for a delayed flight

Our flight back to California from the UK was a long one, but I’m thankful. When we all boarded we were told there would be a brief 15 minute delay waiting for our spot on the runway. I began my movie of choice [Split – fantastic movie! Definitely recommend!] and just a short while later we were taxiing down to the runway. As the crew do their final checks and the staff take their seats, the engines begin to roar and we hear someone shout behind us.

HELP! We’re having an emergency!

I look around to see an older gentleman slumped in his seat. Grey pallor and eyes rolled into the back of his head. Unresponsive to the call of his wife, and the calls of the staff that are now crowded around him. The engines quieten and the call goes over the tannoy for any doctors on board. Thankfully we have 3 doctors and an ER nurse and one Dr begins to handle the situation.

An announcement is made that there is a medical emergency, and a hush comes over the plane. We taxi back to the airport gate. A short time later, the staff assist the Dr in getting the gentleman onto a chair and wheel him off the plane to waiting medical staff. Then comes more waiting while we’re informed that they are taking their bags out of the hold and we would have to top up with more fuel. More waiting.

I had finished watching my movie before we even took flight! In all, our delay was over two hours. While some passengers were a little disgruntled I couldn’t help but feel thankful. Why? Because at the end of the day we were having WAY better day the gentleman, and his wife. Also, imagine had we not had that initial 15 minute delay? Potentially we would have been already in the air before he passed out! What if we had no medical professionals on board? Definitely thankful for those doctors onboard.

Bottom line, by choosing to find something to be thankful for in every not so ideal situation you can immediately turn your mood around. Being in a position of gratitude for your health, your body, your family, your surroundings and opportunities can impact your life more than you could ever know!

Gratitude Journal Challenge

So for the next 30 days, I suggest setting aside a couple of minutes a day to write down three things you’re grateful for. Just three. You can do this gratitude journal in so many ways. If you want to use your phone there are note apps or apps (like the aforementioned 5 Minute Journal, they also have the paper version). If you use a laptop or computer then maybe a Google or Word document would work for you, or you could start a blog! Perhaps you  share your newfound attitude of gratitude with a daily post to social media (facebook/twitter etc). If something tactile is more your style then just grab a pen and paper (there are even specific gratitude journals available). Or, you can download and print out this gratitude Journal I created, for free!

This gratitude journal is available as an 8½”x 5½” printable booklet or a letter size printable sheet. Yes, I’m that keen for you to start a gratitude journal practice. Why three things? Well, it’s more than one, but less than ten. Meaning it should take some thought, but shouldn’t take more than 2-3 minutes out of your day. TIP: I suggest writing in your gratitude journal while having your morning tea/coffee. That way you make it part of your morning routine.

Simply choose your style, print it out and assemble. The letter size is pretty simple and you can put into any binder/folder. For the smaller half-letter size I suggest printing 2 sheets double sided, then one sheet with the cover, and flip that sheet and print the weekly page on the flip-side. Then fold all into a handy booklet. Bind with staples, bulldog clips, or punch a hole and tie some thread through. If you have a mini binder then cut the sheets in half, punch holes and add to your choice of binder (I’m partial to the Avery ones). You could also use another favorite of mine, the disc system.

Whatever version you use, digital, paper, or social. A gratitude journal can really help you realize that life is so much more than the daily grind. We’re here for a short time, and each moment is precious. . End the negativity, throw yourself into gratitude and that positive energy will enrich your life in so many ways.

Questions

Do you have a Gratitude Journal practice?

What’s your preference for journaling – Paper or digital?

Do you focus on the negative or the positive?

 

 

 

Disclosure: Links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commision on sales made through those links.