Thankful November

 When I think of November, the first thought that comes into my mind is Thanksgiving.  But not what is the purpose of Thanksgiving except to be thankful for all that you have.  Being mindful of gratitude is a special skill that one has to develop; it doesn't just come naturally for most.   Last year I participated in a group activity called "Thankful November."  Each day, we were given a journal prompt which helped us to explore our lives and the latent gratitude that we have in our lives and for our lives.  Through this daily exercise, I gained a new perspective on life.  I recognized the importance of practicing gratitued daily, even for the small things.  Now, I keep a daily gratitude log in my Bullet Journal Weekly Layout.  I simply write one thing I am grateful for each day, and at the end of the year, I will have a list of 365 items for which I am grateful.  So, I encourage each of you to find time in your day to answer the following prompts in your Thankful November journal so that you, too, can begin to find your own path to gratitude.

Journal Prompts for Thankful November 2021

1. Who is someone special that has taught you about unconditional love?  What did they teach you?  How can you show unconditional love to someone else?  To yourself?

2.  What five personality traits are you most thankful for?

3.  What about your upbringing are you most grateful for?  How has it influenced your life?

4.  Write about the family members you are thankful for?  What makes each one special?

5.  List five things you are currently doing well.

6.  Who or what in your life are you happy to have let go?  Why?  How has your life improved since?

7.  List three good things that have suddenly caught your attention that make your feel grateful.

8.  Whom do you take for granted? How can you show your appreciation for that person?

9.  Name five things that always put a smile on your face.

10.  What possessions do you own that make your life easier?

11.  List three things that you love about your favorite room in your home?  Why are these your favorite?  Do they make life easier or more enjoyable?

12.  Focus on your five senses.  What can you do to make yourself more mindful of each of the senses?

13.  Do you have a special relationship with your pet?  In what ways can you thank your pet for all of the joy and comfort that it brings to you?

14.  What about your career or job are you most thankful for?

15.  Create a list of twenty ways you are fortunate.

16.  What meals/recipes do you enjoy making?  Why do you enjoy it?  What does this meal give you?

17.  Write about a time when someone went out of their way to help you.

18.  Describe your favorite moment of the day.

19.  Has anyone ever performed a random act of kindness for you?  Write about that experience.

20.   Do you have a favorite hobby?  What does that hobby create in you?  

21.  Write about something you did to make someone happy today.

22.  When was a time you were successful?  Write a thank you speech to the people who helped you achieve that success.

23.  Describe something good that you saw in your community.

24.  Where is somewhere that you have been that you are thankful for?

25.  What is someone or something that makes you feel safe?

26.  Which public servic or organization are you most grateful for?

27.  Write about a family tradition that you are thankful for.

28.  Describe the piece of clothing that you are most grateful for.

29.  Explain the role of gratitude in your life.

30.  In what ways can you be more mindful of gratitude?

Happy Thankful November!