How to Make a Thrifty Gratitude Journal

Journaling produces hundreds of benefits for our physical and emotional well-being. Writing down what we are thankful for reminds us to stay positive and refrain from complaining. Save money and make your gratitude journal yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 composition notebook
• old magazines
• scissors
• glue stick
• pen

1. 
    

   Cut the letters of the alphabet from old magazines. Keep in mind this is only one way to make this journal. You can be creative and/or very simple. The idea is to give yourself a prompt to start writing.

2. 
    

   Glue them, one or two per page, in alphabetical order. If you think you will use more than one page, glue them on every other page. There are many pages in a composition notebook.

3. 
    

   Begin journaling daily, by using the letter to prompt the blessings you wish to journal. Write about something you are grateful for that starts with that particular letter. For example for letter A one could write artistic talents. Use the letter on each page to begin your journal entry.

Tips & Warnings

• Draw pictures with each journal entry.
• Use different colored pens, gel pens or markers to journal with.
• Cut and decoupage magazine pictures, that reflect what makes you happy, to the front of your journal.
• Glue dried flowers onto a page when you are writing about flowers in your garden.
• Use caution using sharp scissors.

Resources

• 100 Benefits of Journaling
• Journal Writing Research Reveals Benefits for Older Adults

[jenconsalvo]

on 10/8/2009 Thanks for the article Kristina!

Another thrifty way to keep a gratitude journal is to use a free, online resource. Check out Thankfulfor.com (my partner and I just launched it a few weeks ago!) - it allows you to create a private or public gratitude journal, keeping all your entries in one place. It's nice to view what other people are thankful for.. it's very touching and can be a good reminder for ourselves. Thankfulfor also allows you to hook in your social network (Twitter) so if you want, you can share your thanks or good vibes with others. We'd love you to try it and send us your feedback!

Cheers!
Jen