Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: Amazon gratitude journal

  • How to Start a Gratitude Practice This New Year (With My Published Journals!)

    How to Start a Gratitude Practice This New Year (With My Published Journals!)

    There’s something magical about opening a brand-new journal in January. A fresh start, blank pages, and that hopeful energy you can practically feel in your fingers. New year, new me, new intentions — and I’m one of those people who truly believe that putting pen to paper can change your life in the softest, most unexpected ways.

    Over the years, journaling has been one of the quiet habits that’s carried me through busy seasons, big transitions, and the ordinary days in between.

    Whether you call it manifestation, “the secret” (and if you haven’t watched the documentary or read the book, it’s such an interesting take on mindset!), or simply practicing appreciation… gratitude has a way of shifting your perspective. It brings you back to what’s good, what’s present, and what’s already supporting you right now.

    And in a season that often feels busy, loud, and full of pressure, gratitude feels like a gentle exhale — a reminder that you are already enough.

    In this post, I’m sharing simple ways to begin a gratitude practice this new year — small habits you can start today, gentle journaling ideas, and a peek at the gratitude journals I recently published.

    ⭐ Why Gratitude Works

    A gratitude practice doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simplest practices are usually the most powerful. Writing down even three things you’re thankful for can:

    • Help reduce stress
    • Improve sleep (yes, really!)
    • Strengthen emotional resilience
    • Shift your mindset toward positivity
    • Make everyday moments feel more meaningful

    It’s one of those tiny habits that adds up in a big way. When you begin to notice the good, you start finding more of it.

    ✍️ How to Start a Gratitude Practice This New Year

    If journaling has ever felt intimidating or “not for you,” this is your permission slip to start small and keep it simple. If you’re ready to begin, here are some gentle, beginner-friendly ways to ease into it:

    1. Start Small

    Don’t pressure yourself to write pages every day. A simple list of three things — a warm cup of tea, soft blankets, the way your child laughs — is enough.

    2. Choose a Time That Feels Good

    Some people journal in the mornings with coffee to set the tone for the day. Others prefer evenings as a way to wind down. There’s no wrong choice — just pick what feels sustainable.

    3. Let It Be Imperfect

    Messy handwriting? Half the page scribbled out? A skipped day or two? It’s okay. Gratitude is a practice, not a performance.

    4. Use Tools That Inspire You

    A beautiful journal can make the practice feel more intentional… which is exactly why I started publishing my own.

    Simple Gratitude Prompts to Get You Started

    Sometimes the hardest part is staring at a blank page, so here are a few gentle prompts to ease you in:

    • Three small things that made me smile today
    • One moment of peace or comfort I noticed
    • Something I often take for granted, but appreciate today
    • A person who makes life a little brighter (and why)
    • A challenge I learned something from recently
    • A cozy sensory detail I enjoyed — warm socks, a good meal, soft lighting
    • One thing I’m looking forward to

    You don’t have to write full sentences if you don’t want to — quick bullet-style reflections count as gratitude, too.

    I made a cozy one-page gratitude journaling sheet you can print and use right away. Just write one prompt a day, or fill the page slowly with small moments of joy. There’s no right way to use this — print it once or a dozen times, jot a few words, or fill the page.

    👉 Click here to download the printable
    (A little gift from me to you — happy journaling.)

    🌿 My Published Gratitude Journals (Now on Amazon!)

    Creating journals has become one of my favorite creative outlets — a mix of culture, cozy design, and meaningful prompts. I’ve designed several styles, including culturally inspired editions that reflect my love for Swedish and Irish traditions.

    If you’re looking for a journal to start with, here are a few of my favorites that I poured my heart into.

    Each one was created with softness, simplicity, and daily reflection in mind — perfect for beginners or seasoned journalers who want a fresh start this new year.

    💛 A New Year Filled With Intention

    However you decide to begin your gratitude practice, I hope this new year brings you clarity, calm, and many small joys that fill your heart.

    If you pick up one of my journals, please let me know — it truly means the world to me.

    I’d love to hear — do you journal already, or are you hoping to begin this year? What’s something you’re grateful for today?

    And before you go — don’t forget to grab your free printable journaling page. It’s perfect to tuck inside your planner or tape to your fridge as a reminder to slow down.

    Wherever this new year finds you, I hope you find moments of calm, comfort, and gratitude along the way.

    Let’s stay in touch 💛

    Get my cozy lifestyle tips, travel diaries, and favorite finds — straight to your inbox. Sign-up below.