This year, I decided to expand my capabilities and embark on little monthly challenges. Some of them are financed-based, some are fitness-based and some are just for fun. I really have no rhyme or reason for the challenges, I just wanted something to focus on for each month.
The challenge:
For November, the challenge was to write in my gratitude journal every single day. It felt like the perfect fit for a month centered around Thanksgiving and reflection.
The parameters:
I’ve owned this gratitude journal for a couple of years now. When I first bought it, I was diligent about writing in it every day. Each page has space for the date and three things you’re thankful for. Over time though, I fell out of the habit. The journal sat on my desk, quietly waiting, while I kept telling myself I’d get back to it soon. November felt like the right time to finally recommit. My goal was simple: write down three things I was grateful for, every day.
Everything I’ve read about gratitude journaling says it can enhance well-being, increase self-awareness, and bring more positivity into your life. Since I’m always searching for a bit more calm, clarity, and joy in my everyday routines, this felt like the perfect challenge.
How did I do?
I’m happy to say that I wrote in my gratitude journal every single day this month! Some days were much easier than others, especially on days when my routine was nothing more than getting up, going to work, and coming home. On those quieter, more repetitive days, it could be surprisingly hard to think of something new to be thankful for, aside from being home, of course.
I did notice myself repeating a few things, but maybe that’s part of the point. Some of the simple joys that showed up again and again were my job, my health, caramel lattes, bookstores, public transportation, slow days at the office, reading glasses, relaxing after work, and even the kind comments left on this blog.
Lessons learned:
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that my gratitude journal needs to live somewhere I’ll see it every day. Otherwise, it’s far too easy to forget about it. Writing hasn’t quite become second nature yet, but I’m hopeful that if I keep going, it will grow into a true routine.
It’s also been surprisingly meaningful to look back and reread what I wrote on different days. Even when the days felt ordinary or even difficult, I always managed to find something to be thankful for. And that, in itself, feels like a small but powerful lesson. I’m ending this challenge with a full journal, a grateful heart, and a hope this habit will follow me into the months ahead.
I’ll be back next month with a new challenge.
2025 Monthly challenges:
January: Food budgeting
February: Sit-ups
March: Decluttering
April: Puzzles
May: Cozy Journaling
June: Granny Squares
July: Sock knitting
August: A picture a day
September: A poem a day
October: Finishing projects
November: Gratitude journal
This sounds like it was a wonderful challenge! My son tries to practice some mindfulness and gratitude each day and feels it is very helpful to him.