This six-question worksheet is a simple way to start thinking about gratitude. Its introduction suggests that positive emotions like gratitude can benefit body and mind, and that feeling grateful for what we have, instead of dwelling on what we don’t, may ease stress and help us try again when things don’t work out as we hoped.
Write your answers in the spaces provided. The worksheet notes that writing down feelings of gratitude can help reinforce them. You might post your answers where you’ll see them each day or keep them in a gratitude journal, then pause each day to notice and appreciate what’s good in your life.
A note from Sean
Gratitude often shows up on its own when we are truly present and have loosened our grip a little. As far as I know, none of us asked to be born. And here we are, breathing, relatively cared for, relatively safe. That brings some humility, and a feeling of being connected to everyone else.
Try this today. Pick one thing from question 2, something you usually take for granted, like running water or an easy breath. The next time you use it, stop for three breaths. Feel the water on your hands, or the air moving in. Then add one line to your answer.
Keep going: Gratitude Letter and Gratitude For Breath, Body And Mind.
This suits anyone starting a gratitude habit or coming back to one. Question 4 asks you to revisit something hard, so if that stirs strong feeling, go gently. Stop when you need to.
The six questions
- Write down a gratitude ritual you do now, such as giving thanks before a meal or pausing before sleep to think about what went well in your day.
- Write down an everyday blessing you’ve noticed that you used to take for granted, such as electricity, clean running water, or strong arms that help you play your sport.
- Name someone you’re grateful to have in your life and why.
- Describe something that happened in the past that you didn’t feel grateful for at the time, but now think of with gratitude.
- Describe a moment when you felt gratitude in real time, and what other emotions you felt.
- Describe a way you’ve thanked someone or intend to thank someone.
