What is a Gratitude Journal?

In a life full of distractions, responsibilities, and difficulties, we often forget to see things in a brighter perspective. That's what a gratitude journal is for. It is a repository of our dedication to sit down and take a few minutes to ponder about what we are thankful for. It is also our personal Book of Lists. We scribble, we doodle, and we write what we feel. Also known as a gratitude diary, a gratitude journal is our personal companion as we go through our daily routines and when retiring for the night, we confide our best thoughts. So how can you start and end your day with gratitude? The tips that follow can help.

How to Select a Gratitude Journal 

You might not know it yet but a gratitude journal, also called a gratitude diary, can be written in a notebook, can be typed online, and can be entered in a journal app. Let us discuss each of these further.
The notebook. It doesn't have to be fancy; in fact, it can be a plain, blank notebook. A gratitude journal does not pick on design. And while highly motivated by your personal choice, most people start with a scribbler - a pocket notebook that they can easily carry around with them. The advantage a notebook offers is you get to a more personalized level when you actually feel yourself making an effort to think and then to write the things that you are grateful for each day. And because it's important, you just can't afford to lose it, thus, it becomes a part of what you value.

The web. People have taken their gratitude journals to a higher level - the Internet. Some people created a blog of their own and they use it as their gratitude diary. Some, who enjoy the experience of typing, pull a Notepad, complete their gratitude list, and save it in their computer. The benefit of going online is that you will not worry about misplacing your journal. You can find it right where you left it.

The Gratitude Journal App

In an effort to meld technology with personal reflection, gratitude journal apps have been created. And just like the web, you make your daily entry by using your smartphone. You can even add photos in each of your entries if you like.  Our favorite is an app called Gratitude Journey by a non-profit company called Prana to the People.  You can learn more about Prana here.

Regardless of your choice, always remember to put value in your gratitude journal. It's the only testament you have in showing the world that you are out there appreciating the gifts of life.