Making a DIY Gratitude Journal: The Ultimate Guide

Gratitude is one of the most powerful acts of self-care, and a DIY gratitude journal not only lets you reap its benefits but also serves as a creative outlet. I’ve personally found that starting from scratch has made my gratitude practice feel a little more special.

With that said, this post explains all there is to know about gratitude journal DIY. From the practical bits you’ll need to some gratitude journal ideas and questions – we’ll cover it all.

How to Make a DIY Gratitude Journal from Scratch

1. Choose your notebook

When choosing which notebook you’ll use for your DIY gratitude journal, you’ll want to consider when and where you will be journaling.

If you’re someone who likes to journal in a coffee shop, choosing something small and portable will be your best bet. Or, if you want more space for creative designs and aren’t fussed about portability, a bigger notebook might be better for your DIY gratitude journal.

You’ll also need to decide between lined or blank pages. As a doodler, I prefer blank pages, but if you’re someone who will use this strictly for writing, lined is your go-to.

The notebook I chose for my gratitude journal had a plain cover so I could fill it with affirmations. However, if you see a notebook with a design you love – go for it!

2. Design the cover

This is where you can get creative! Use washi tape, stickers, and drawings that reflect your personality.

You can also add an outside cover with a title like “My Gratitude Journal” or “Moments of Thanks.” I also recommend adding a gratitude quote to the inside cover of your DIY gratitude journal for some inspiration from the moment you open it.

3. Create sections

You’re now going to want to add some dividers or tabs to organise your DIY gratitude journal. I’ve split mine up into the following four sections, but feel free to add or take any away based on what you want to include:

• Daily Gratitude Entries: Dedicate a section for writing down what you’re grateful for each day. I would reserve the most pages for this section, as you’ll be adding to it every day.
• Gratitude Affirmations: Keep some pages for uplifting affirmations on gratitude that you can read or repeat daily.
• Prompts and Questions: Include a list of gratitude journal questions to guide your reflections.
• Gratitude List: Have a page for brainstorming things you’re thankful for, like special people, experiences, or simple pleasures.

4. Decorate, decorate, decorate

This is one of the best parts of creating a gratitude journal and is a beneficial mindfulness practice in itself. Making your journal pretty will also make you more likely to want to come back to it – so it’s an important step!

Here’s how you can spice up your DIY gratitude journal:

• Use coloured pens, markers, or highlighters to add flair to your entries.
• Decorate the margins with doodles, stickers, or inspirational quotes.
• Add seasonal designs or themes to keep your journal fresh (it will also help you romanticise the different months…even January!).

DIY Gratitude Journal Ideas

Now you have your beautifully decorated DIY gratitude journal, it’s time to start writing. Staring at a blank page can be tricky, but here are some ideas and tips for getting started with each section:

Daily Gratitude Entries

The daily gratitude entries section is for reflecting on the things you’re thankful for every day—big or small. You can do this in the morning to set a positive tone, in the evening to wind down, or both!

Here are some things I do when writing in this section of my journal:

• Write down three things you’re grateful for every day.
• Focus on the small things! This will encourage you to see the beauty and joy in the little moments and give you an abundance of things to write about. Whether it’s a delicious meal you had, laughing with a friend, or a sunny day.
• On days when it feels like there’s nothing to write about, strip it down to the basics. I’m talking about your health, a roof over your head, or even just the fact you have the time to add an entry to your journal.

Some example entries could be:

“I’m grateful that I laughed with my friend today. I feel lucky to have someone in my life that brings me joy.”

“I’m grateful that I have a blanket to keep me warm while it’s cold outside.”

Gratitude Affirmations Entries

The affirmations section of your DIY gratitude journal is for you to fill with positive statements that challenge limiting beliefs. They help create an abundance mindset, which is essentially the belief that there are enough resources in the world for you to create the life you want.

Here are some things to keep in mind when writing your affirmations of gratitude:

• Keep your affirmations in the present tense, as if they are already true. Use “I am” or “I have” statements to feel gratitude for the present moment.
• Say your affirmations out loud as often as possible. Make a habit of this, and your mindset will naturally become more positive.

Some example gratitude affirmations could be:

“I am thankful for the love and support of my family.”

“I appreciate the little moments that make my life meaningful.”

Prompts and Questions

The prompts and questions section of your DIY gratitude journal will be your go-to when you need some inspiration or are experiencing writer’s block. I recommend filling this section with a few prompts when you first create your journal, leaving some blank pages for you to add more later.

Here are some prompts and questions you could include:

Prompts:

• Think about a challenging situation. Write down three things you’ve learned from it that you’re grateful for.
• Describe a moment from today that made you feel truly content.
• What aspects of your body or wellbeing are you thankful for today?
• Write a letter to your future self expressing gratitude for how far you’ve come.
• Create a list of things you’ve been blessed with in the past week. How did each one add to your happiness?

Questions:

• What was the best part of your day?
• What act of kindness did you witness or receive today?
• What is something beautiful you saw today?
• What do you look forward to tomorrow?

Gratitude List Entries

This section of your DIY gratitude journal is for brainstorming the things you’re grateful for. Anytime you feel appreciative of something, open up the journal and jot it down (I take mine with me most places so I can do this whenever, wherever).

I love reading this part of my journal to pick me up when I’m feeling down. The more entries you make, the longer the list will be, making it a comforting reminder of all the positivity in your life.

Some gratitude list ideas include:

• The people in your life who bring you joy.
• Everyday moments that make you smile (a beautiful sunrise, a kind gesture, a good cup of coffee).
• Achievements, big or small, that you’re proud of.
• Things about yourself that you’re grateful for.
• Experiences that have shaped you positively.
• Material things that make life easier or more enjoyable.
• Acts of kindness you’ve received or witnessed.
• Simple pleasures.

Final Thoughts

Once you get started with making and writing your first few entries, your DIY gratitude journal will become your new best friend. It might feel a little unnatural to begin with, but keep at it, and you will begin to see a change in your mindset!

Make sure to leave a comment below if you make your own DIY gratititude journal. I’d love to hear how it goes.

Looking for some more journaling inspiration? Check out my article on writing prompts for a self-love journal.