Unlock Your Best Life: Starting Your Gratitude Journal (Inspired by "You Deserve This Shit")

Ever feel like life's just a blur of to-dos and everyday stresses? What if there was a simple, powerful practice that could shift your focus, boost your mood, and help you appreciate the good, even when things are tough? There is, and it's called gratitude journaling.

It's more than just saying "thank you." It's an active, intentional way to acknowledge the positive aspects of your life, big or small. And trust me, it can be a game-changer.

Why Gratitude? The Unexpected Benefits You'll Love

You might be thinking, "Just writing down what I'm grateful for? How much can that really do?" A lot, actually! Decades of research in positive psychology point to incredible benefits:

• Boosts Happiness: Regularly focusing on the good rewires your brain to notice more of it. You'll literally start seeing the world through a more positive lens.

• Reduces Stress & Anxiety: When you're dwelling on what's going right, there's less mental space for worries and fears. It's like a mini-vacation for your mind.

• Improves Relationships: Expressing gratitude, even just to yourself in a journal, can make you more appreciative of the people in your life, strengthening your bonds.

• Enhances Resilience: When faced with challenges, a gratitude practice helps you remember your strengths and the positive things you still have, making it easier to bounce back.

• Better Sleep: Ending your day on a positive note can calm your mind and help you drift off more easily.

  
  

It’s not about ignoring problems; it’s about acknowledging the good alongside them, which gives you more mental and emotional resources to tackle whatever comes your way.

Getting Started: What You'll Need (Spoiler: Not Much!)

One of the best things about gratitude journaling is how simple it is to start. Forget fancy tools or complicated routines. All you truly need is:

• A Notebook or Journal: Any kind will do! A spiral-bound, a sleek hardback, or even just some loose-leaf paper.

• A Pen: Your favorite, or just one that works!

• A Few Minutes: Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a difference. Find a consistent time that works for you – first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed.

  
  

That’s it! The magic isn’t in the materials; it’s in the consistent practice.

Inspired by "You Deserve This Shit": A Mindful Approach to Prompts

If you've read Jordan Tarver's powerful book, "You Deserve This Shit," you know he's all about intentional living and profound self-reflection. His book is packed with thought-provoking prompts designed to challenge your perspective and encourage growth. We're going to take inspiration from his approach to create a deeper gratitude practice.

Crucial Note on Prompts & Copyright:

Jordan Tarver's prompts in "You Deserve This Shit" are copyrighted. This means we can't simply copy and paste them directly into our own work. However, the themes and ideas behind his prompts are universal and incredibly valuable for personal growth.

So, for your journaling practice, we'll draw inspiration from the spirit of his questions. We'll explore similar areas of reflection, but I'll provide rephrased, original prompts that capture that same depth and encourage you to think differently about gratitude.

This way, you get the benefit of a guided, meaningful practice while fully respecting the author's work. If you love these ideas, I highly recommend picking up a copy of "You Deserve This Shit" to dive into Jordan's full framework for living with purpose!

Themes and Rephrased Prompts to Kickstart Your Gratitude

Here are some categories and sample prompts, inspired by the introspective nature of "You Deserve This Shit," to guide your gratitude journaling:

1. Gratitude for People:

• Think about someone who brightened your day recently. What specific action or word of theirs made a difference to you, and how can you acknowledge them?

• Who in your life consistently supports you, even when you don't ask? What quality do you most appreciate about them today?

• Consider a person you might take for granted. What's one small, positive thing they contribute to your life that you can be grateful for today?

  
  

2. Gratitude for Experiences & Moments:

• What was a seemingly ordinary moment today that held a quiet beauty or brought you a small sense of peace?

• Recall a recent experience where you felt truly present and alive. What elements of that experience made it so special?

• Think about a new skill you've learned or an old hobby you've returned to. What joy or satisfaction does that pursuit bring into your life?

  
  

3. Gratitude for Challenges & Lessons Learned: (This aligns strongly with Tarver's emphasis on growth)

• Reflect on a recent challenge or setback you faced. What unexpected strength did you discover within yourself or what valuable lesson did it teach you?

• Think of a past difficult experience. How has overcoming it shaped you into a stronger or wiser person, and what can you be grateful for from that transformation?

• What is something you initially resisted or found frustrating, but later realized was a necessary part of your growth?

  
  

4. Gratitude for Simple Pleasures & Daily Life:

• What everyday convenience or comfort are you grateful for that you often overlook (e.g., hot water, a comfortable bed, reliable internet)?

• Describe a sensory experience from today that brought you pleasure (e.g., the taste of your coffee, the sound of rain, the warmth of the sun).

• What aspect of your daily routine, no matter how mundane, provides you with stability or comfort?

  
  

5. Gratitude for Self & Abilities:

• What personal quality or skill do you possess that you often take for granted, but that genuinely helps you or others?

• What is your body capable of today that you are grateful for? (e.g., walking, breathing, seeing, feeling).

• In what way have you shown yourself kindness or compassion recently, and why are you grateful for that self-care?

Making It Stick: Tips for Your Practice

• Consistency is Key, Not Perfection: Aim for a few minutes every day, even if it's just one sentence. Some days you'll write more, some less. That's perfectly fine.

• Don't Overthink It: There's no "right" way to do this. Just write whatever comes to mind. If it feels forced one day, just list three simple things and move on.

• Be Specific: Instead of "I'm grateful for my friends," try "I'm grateful for Sarah checking in on me today." Specificity amplifies the feeling.

• Mix It Up: Use different prompts, or sometimes just free-write about what you're grateful for. Variety keeps it fresh.

• Read Back: Occasionally, take a few minutes to read through past entries. It's an incredible way to see how much good is truly in your life and how far you've come.

Ready to Start? Your Journey Begins Now!

Gratitude journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery and well-being. By intentionally focusing on what you appreciate, you'll start to notice more beauty, more resilience, and more joy in your everyday life.

Grab a notebook, pick a prompt (or just start free-writing!), and dedicate a few minutes to yourself today. You deserve this shift in perspective.

And if you're looking to dive deeper into intentional living and self-discovery, don't forget to check out Jordan Tarver's book, "You Deserve This Shit." It's an inspiring read!

What's one thing you're grateful for right now, big or small? Share it in the comments below – let's inspire each other!