Gratitude Writing Guide and Prompts

Instructions

Spend a few quiet moments with a blank piece of paper and write down the people that you are grateful for. Try to make a list of at least two people from the past and two from the present. This can be a fun exercise, so write down the names freely. Once you have a list, pick four and write down next to their names a few key things that you are grateful to them for. You can use the worksheet on the back of this paper.

Now, pick the first name and write a note of gratitude. It may help to write a rough draft of your note on a blank piece of paper first and then transfer it to a card. Don’t worry if your handwriting is messy, or if your spelling is not perfect- that's ok. For a small notecard, aim for about 4-6 sentences.

Begin by addressing them personally, Dear ____

Thank the person for something (big or small) and let them know why you are grateful for them. Be specific. Including at least one personal detail shows the recipient that you really noticed their efforts and makes them feel special.

For example, instead of just saying “Thank you,” you would say something more specific like, “Thank you for having lunch with me and encouraging me to go to graduate school. The fact that you believe in me and urge me to continue to grow has made a difference in my life.” Again, being specific in your gratitude is very effective.


Some prompts that you may find helpful:
Today, I am thinking of you and how grateful I am for ….
You are a person I am grateful for. I especially want to share ….
I am writing to express my gratitude for….
I really appreciate….
Thank you for always being someone that I …
Thank you for your advice on ….
I sincerely appreciate the way that you….
Thank you for taking the time to…
I want you to know how much I appreciate…
I am grateful for….
Thank you for…
Thank you for being in my life, you are/have been a blessing to me because…

End with a closing like “with gratitude” and sign your note. You can hand deliver your note or mail it.
After you have sent two notes to those from the past, and two from the present, you still have two notes to send. These are for the future. In the next few weeks, look for opportunities to thank others with a note of gratitude.

See more writing tips & share your gratitude journey at www.boxofgratitude.com.

With Deep Gratitude. – Kristine Newell Founder, Box of Gratitude.