Life can feel busy and overwhelming. There are always things to do, places to be, and people who need us.
In the middle of all that, it's easy to forget to slow down and notice the small things that make life meaningful.
But taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for can make a big difference. Gratitude has a way of shifting how we see things. It helps us move from stress and scarcity into a place of peace and appreciation. When we combine gratitude with simple, creative art journaling, that shift becomes even more powerful.
If you're curious to try it for yourself, scroll down to watch a short gratitude journaling video practice and explore 10 simple prompts to help you get started or deepen your current practice.
This practice doesn’t need to take much time. It can be as simple as doodling, painting, or writing a few thoughtful words on a page. The goal isn’t to make something perfect. It’s to connect with yourself and find joy in the moment.
A Simple Gratitude Practice You Can Try Today
There’s a short YouTube video that walks you through a gratitude journaling practice. It’s filled with gentle prompts and ideas to help you begin or refresh your own creative gratitude habit.
The video offers easy ways to bring more intention and creativity into your journaling. You’ll also hear some of the prompts and ideas shared below. If the video is helpful, feel free to leave a comment or give it a thumbs-up. Sharing what you’re grateful for might even inspire someone else.
Why Gratitude through mindful art Matters
When we take time to notice the things we appreciate, we begin to feel more calm, present, and grounded. Gratitude helps us pay attention to the good that’s already here. It also gives us the strength to move through challenges with more grace.
This time of year can be especially meaningful for starting a gratitude practice. As one year ends and another begins, many people feel called to reflect, rest, and reset. Gratitude journaling is a gentle and helpful way to support that process.
Some people like to do this daily. Others might check in once a week. There is no right or wrong way to do it. What matters most is giving yourself space to pause, reflect, and notice what’s been nourishing and meaningful in your life.
10 mindful Gratitude Prompts to Spark Reflection
Here are some of my favorite journaling prompts. You can use these in your written journal or as inspiration for a drawing, doodle, collage, or mixed-media page. Let them guide you into a deeper sense of presence and appreciation.
What small, unexpected joy did you experience today?
List five things you are grateful for in your current environment.
Think of someone who has made a difference in your life. Why are you thankful for them?
What does self-care look like for you right now?
Reflect on a hard moment you’ve faced. What did it teach you?
What is a personal strength you’ve developed that you feel proud of?
Describe a piece of art or music that touched you deeply.
What do you have today that you once hoped or wished for?
Write a short letter of thanks to someone you haven’t thanked before.
Describe a recent act of kindness you witnessed or received.
You can return to these prompts whenever you feel stuck, stressed, or disconnected. They are here to gently bring you back to the present moment.
A Creative Pause Before the New Year
The end of the year can be full of hustle, noise, and pressure. It can also be a powerful time to slow down, reflect on where you've been, and gently set intentions for where you're going.
Taking even one quiet afternoon to journal or make art can bring surprising insight. It helps you notice your growth and acknowledge the lessons, challenges, and blessings of the year behind you.
You don’t have to have everything figured out. Just creating a small space for reflection can help you enter the new year with more clarity, compassion, and care.
ExPLore More Mindful Art Offerings
If you’re curious to go deeper into mindful art journaling or creative self-care, there are a variety of online offerings available through Mindful Creative Muse. These programs are designed to help you slow down, reduce stress, and reconnect with your creative spark. No art experience is needed.
Explore all online offerings here and/or download your Free Mindful Art Workbook with more journaling prompts here.
Whether you're just starting out or have been journaling for years, there's something here for you. These practices are gentle, supportive, and meant to meet you exactly where you are.