How to Start a Gratitude Journal in November and Make It a Year-Round Habit

Between managing deadlines, attending school events, supporting a partner, and just trying to carve out a bit of free time, it’s hard to imagine slowing down for anything—let alone a quiet moment of reflection. And yet, deep down, you probably know how helpful it would be to pause, breathe, and take a moment to appreciate all the things in your life truly. By starting a gratitude journal this Fall, you can nurture a powerful, positive shift in perspective by spending just a few minutes each day.

And with its spirit of Thanksgiving, November is the perfect time to start this gratitude journaling practice. By embracing gratitude this month, you’re setting the foundation for a habit that can bring more balance, joy, and perspective into your life all year long.

The Benefits of Starting (and Maintaining!) a Gratitude Journal

Gratitude journals help cultivate an attitude of gratitude, which profoundly affects mental health. By simply writing down things you’re grateful for daily, you can reduce stress, foster a more positive mindset, and enhance your resilience.

This practice of gratitude doesn’t have to take long—even a few minutes can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. For busy women juggling work, family, and relationships, a daily gratitude practice can serve as a grounding tool that enhances happiness and life satisfaction, allowing them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

They Can Also Help Strengthen Relationships…

Expressing gratitude can have a positive impact on your relationships by helping you focus on the positive things about the people around you. When you express gratitude for a family member or a partner, you deepen your connection and foster a supportive atmosphere.

Regularly acknowledging and appreciating the small acts that loved ones do for you, like sharing a good meal or making you smile today, can lead to more positive emotions and help you build stronger relationships, which, in turn, improves your own emotional well-being.

…And Anchor You in the Present

Practicing gratitude has a grounding effect. Maintaining a gratitude journal helps you to live in the present moment and appreciate the simple joys in everyday life. By incorporating a gratitude journaling practice, you can focus on the here and now, noticing small details like the taste of your morning coffee or the natural world outside your window.

This practice helps you become more mindful and centered, making it easier to feel grateful for each moment rather than constantly focusing on the next task or goal.

Why November is the Ideal Time to Start!

November, with its focus on Thanksgiving and the changing seasons, is an ideal time to start a gratitude journal. As you prepare for holiday gatherings and reflect on the year, it’s a natural period for expressing gratitude.

This time of year encourages looking at the things in your life that bring you joy and reconnecting with a sense of abundance, which can positively impact your mindset as the new year approaches. By starting in November, you can set the foundation for a gratitude mindset that will last well beyond the holidays.

Start Small

If you’re always on the go, start with just a few minutes a day, jotting down one or two things you’re grateful for. Even small efforts, like taking a moment to reflect on positive aspects of your daily life or writing down daily affirmations, can make a big difference.

Simple daily journaling—like noting a positive emotion you felt or a small moment of joy—can lead to more consistent gratitude journaling and encourage a habit that’s easy to maintain.

Create a Special Routine

Building a gratitude journaling routine can make the experience enjoyable and relaxing. Consider setting aside a specific time—like just before bed or with your morning coffee—to reflect and write in your journal.

Create a ritual that you look forward to—a quiet moment to reflect on the positive things from the day or week. By dedicating this time to gratitude journaling, you’ll find it easier to develop a daily routine that brings calm and happiness.

Daily Gratitude Prompts to Get You Going (From Now Until the End of 2024)

November Week 1: Reflecting on Small Joys

Nov 1: What’s one small thing today that made you smile?

Nov 2: Who is someone who made a positive impact on your life? Describe how they influenced you.

Nov 3: What’s something about your home that you’re grateful for?

Nov 4: What’s one thing about your work or business that brings you joy?

Nov 5: Describe a favorite memory that makes you feel grateful.

Nov 6: What’s something about yourself that you’re thankful for?

Nov 7: What’s a simple pleasure you enjoyed today?

November Week 2: Relationships and Connections

Nov 8: Who’s someone you can always rely on? How do they show up for you?

Nov 9: Describe a recent moment of laughter with family, friends, or a partner.

Nov 10: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from someone close to you?

Nov 11: Reflect on a family tradition that brings you comfort or joy.

Nov 12: What’s a quality you admire in a loved one?

Nov 13: Who was the last person to say something kind to you? How did it make you feel?

Nov 14: Describe a quality you appreciate about a friend, partner, or family member.

November Week 3: Gratitude for the Present Moment

Nov 15: What’s one part of your daily routine that you’re thankful for?

Nov 16: What’s something in nature that you noticed today that brought you peace?

Nov 17: What’s a recent achievement or small win you’re proud of?

Nov 18: Describe a favorite meal you had recently and why it made you feel grateful.

Nov 19: What’s something you used to take for granted that you appreciate more now?

Nov 20: What’s one thing you enjoyed about today?

Nov 21: What’s something that made your day easier?

November Week 4: Thankfulness for Growth and Lessons Learned

Nov 22: What’s one thing you’ve learned this year that you’re grateful for?

Nov 23: Describe a challenge you’ve faced recently and how you grew from it.

Nov 24: What’s one skill or talent of yours that you’re thankful for?

Nov 25: Think of a past mistake. What did it teach you, and how has it shaped you?

Nov 26: What’s something you appreciate about the stage of life you’re in now?

Nov 27: Describe a way you’ve become stronger or more resilient.

Nov 28: What’s one thing about your journey that you’re proud of?

November Week 5: Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Nov 29: What’s something in the future you’re looking forward to?

Nov 30: Write a note of gratitude to yourself, reflecting on your efforts, growth, and the journey you’ve taken this month.

December Week 1: Reflecting on the Past Year

Dec 1: What’s something you accomplished this year that you’re grateful for?

Dec 2: Describe a memorable experience from the past year and why it was special.

Dec 3: What’s one thing you learned about yourself this year?

Dec 4: What’s a habit you developed this year that you’re thankful for?

Dec 5: Think of a challenge you faced this year. What did it teach you?

Dec 6: What’s one way you grew emotionally or mentally this year?

Dec 7: What’s something from this year you’re grateful to leave behind?

December Week 2: Gratitude for Winter Comforts

Dec 8: What’s one winter activity or tradition that makes you feel joyful?

Dec 9: Describe a cozy place in your home and why you appreciate it.

Dec 10: What’s a warm drink or food you love to enjoy in winter?

Dec 11: What’s something about colder weather that you’re grateful for?

Dec 12: Who is someone who makes your winters brighter?

Dec 13: What’s a book, show, or music you enjoy most in winter?

Dec 14: What’s one thing you love about winter mornings or evenings?

December Week 3: Family, Friends, and Festivities

Dec 15: Describe a favorite holiday tradition that brings you joy.

Dec 16: Who’s someone you shared a meaningful moment with recently?

Dec 17: Reflect on a family member or friend who’s supported you this year.

Dec 18: What’s a recent memory with family or friends that makes you smile?

Dec 19: Describe a gift or gesture you’ve received that you’re thankful for.

Dec 20: Who’s someone who has helped you feel connected, even from afar?

Dec 21: What’s one thing you love about celebrating the holidays with loved ones?

December Week 4: Gratitude for Simple Moments

Dec 22: What’s something small today that brought you joy?

Dec 23: Describe a favorite way to unwind that you’re thankful for.

Dec 24: What’s one morning or evening ritual you enjoy during the holidays?

Dec 25: What’s a gift of time or presence you can give yourself today?

Dec 26: What’s a quiet moment you had recently that you’re grateful for?

Dec 27: Think of a recent compliment you received. How did it make you feel?

Dec 28: Describe a simple act of kindness you witnessed or participated in.

December Week 5: Closing the Year with Gratitude

Dec 29: What’s one lesson from this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

Dec 30: What’s one personal quality you’re proud of and grateful for?

Dec 31: Write a gratitude letter to the year itself—reflect on the highs, the lows, and what you’re thankful for as you close this chapter.

How to Make Gratitude Journaling a Year-Round Habit

At the end of November and December of this year, take a few minutes to revisit your past entries and reflect on the positive changes you’ve experienced. Notice how this practice has positively impacted your daily life and helped you feel more grounded.

Revisiting your gratitude journal helps you see the benefits of gratitude and sets you up to continue this habit. Think about what parts of your gratitude journaling practice you enjoyed most, as this can inspire you to keep going throughout the year.

Create a Monthly or Weekly Ritual

To make gratitude a year-round habit, establish a ritual for checking in weekly or monthly with your journal. Whether it’s a Sunday afternoon or the first of every month, spend time reviewing your recent entries, adding new journal prompts, and setting new intentions.

Regularly practicing gratitude in this way keeps it fresh and manageable, offering a consistent reminder to pause and appreciate life’s blessings without overwhelming yourself.

Don’t Aim for Perfection

Gratitude journaling doesn’t have to be a daily commitment. Allow yourself flexibility; it’s perfectly okay to miss days or even weeks. When you return, remember to focus on the positive aspects rather than on any “missed” entries.

This low-pressure approach makes it easier to embrace your journaling journey as a lifelong gratitude practice, where the goal is simply to create more positive emotions and life satisfaction.

Banish the Bad Excuses Like…

“I Don’t Have Time”

Finding time to journal might feel impossible in your busy life, but even a few minutes during quiet moments can make a difference. Try fitting it in when you’re winding down, such as while enjoying your morning coffee or just before bed. This daily gratitude practice doesn’t have to be lengthy—just a line or two each day about things you’re grateful for can build a consistent habit without adding to your to-do list.

“I Don’t Know What to Write”

If you feel unsure about what to write, remember that gratitude journaling doesn’t have to be profound. Journal prompts can help, like “What’s something that made you smile today?” or “Who positively impacted your day?” Focusing on small, positive things can make gratitude journaling feel natural and help you overcome any initial hesitation, transforming it into an easy habit that’s both fulfilling and approachable.

“It Feels Forced”

It’s okay if it feels a bit forced to practice gratitude at first. Focus on expressing gratitude authentically, noticing even the smallest moments of joy, like a kind text from a friend or a peaceful morning walk.

This approach encourages a gratitude mindset that feels natural and genuine. By practicing gratitude for these everyday life moments, you’ll find that it becomes a more comfortable and rewarding habit over time.

We recommend making yourself write something short in your journal every day—just to get in the habit. Our team prefers morning gratitude journaling prompts, but any time that works for you is perfect!

How to Deepen Your Gratitude Practice

Gratitude doesn’t have to be a solo activity—consider making it a family or couple’s practice. Share one thing you’re grateful for at dinner, or start a “grateful journal” together where each person adds an entry weekly. This shared gratitude practice can create a stronger bond and bring more positive emotions into your relationships, fostering a sense of appreciation and connection.

Visualize Your Gratitudes

If you’re a visual person, enhance your journal by adding photos, drawings, or even clippings of things you’re grateful for. This personalized approach turns gratitude journaling into a creative outlet that feels special and unique. By bringing your gratitude to life visually, you’re reinforcing your positive mindset and making it even easier to appreciate all the things you’re grateful for.

Extend Gratitude Beyond Journaling

Expressing gratitude doesn’t have to end with writing—it can also be part of your daily actions. Take time to send a thank-you note, give a compliment, or spend a few minutes connecting with a family member. These small gestures of gratitude spread positivity and deepen your gratitude practice by showing appreciation beyond the journal.

Final Thoughts on Starting Your Gratitude Journal This Month

By spending just a few minutes each day writing down things you’re grateful for, you’re taking a small but meaningful step toward a more fulfilling, joy-filled life. To help you start, try this prompt: “What’s one small thing I noticed today that I’m grateful for?” This simple reflection can anchor you in the present moment, helping you notice and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, no matter how busy you are.

With each entry, you’ll feel more grounded, more grateful, and more connected to all the things in your life that make it so wonderfully unique.