On August 19, 2026, I wrote the 1,000th gratitude sentence in my journal, with only two empty pages remaining. Ten months earlier, on October 24, 2025, I had opened that journal and written a single sentence of gratitude on the first page, committing to fill each page with at least five gratitude statements a day. In this blog, I share five things I learned from maintaining this daily practice.
Here are my supplies:
A simple green binder with sturdy lined paper.
A sticker book from Michaels featuring beautiful flowers and uplifting sayings.
A LePen, which makes journaling even more enjoyable.
Each morning, with a hot cup of coffee resting on the end table beside my writing nook chair, I would flip through my sticker book and choose the day’s sticker. After carefully placing it on a fresh page, I would write the next sequential number, picking up where the previous day’s entry left off. This became my morning routine day after day for ten months. Let me share what it did for me.
- SHIFTED MY FOCUS TOWARD GRATITUDE ON DIFFICULT DAYS
Some days, writing what I was grateful for required some creativity, especially on the days when anxiety clouded my thoughts or when I felt simply overwhelmed by sadness. Those were the days I had to look a little harder for the blessings around me.
Since this journal was not for sorting out complicated feelings, I had to think about five good things despite my feelings.
Some examples:
I am grateful for my cup of coffee.
I am grateful for my early morning walk.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
- MADE THE ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY
Then there were the days when life felt lighter, and I could see beyond the ordinary. That’s when I discovered that the ordinary is extraordinary.
An example:
Today I am grateful for the hug I received from my daughter. As she wrapped her arms around me, she told me she loves me. What a gift that is! To have a daughter who loves me is remarkable.
Psalm 66:5
Come and see what God has done,
his awesome deeds for mankind!
- SHOWED ME EVIDENCE OF GOD’S LOVE OVER TIME
From time to time, I revisited previous entries and was amazed at how God consistently shows up in my life. As I read through the pages, again and again, I found new reasons to thank God for the same precious gifts, a reminder of just how richly he has blessed me.
Gifts such as my daughter, my health, my home in Denver, my church community, all that goes with preparing for the launch of my second book, and my family and friends.
Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
- PRESERVED THE GOOD MOMENTS OF MY LIFE
By writing down at least five things I am grateful for each day, I created more than a gratitude journal. I created a record of my life. As I look back through its pages, I can trace the joys, victories, milestones, and everyday moments that made up that chapter of my journey.
My simple green binder has become a living legacy.
Psalm 145:4
One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
- HELPED ME CHERISH THE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE
Finally, my journal entries are filled with specific reasons why I am grateful for the people in my life. I would intentionally write about what each person did for me or how they encouraged me. Then I would pray for them.
Philippians 1:3-4
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
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Ten months ago, I opened a simple green binder and wrote my first sentence. Today, with 1,000 entries behind me, I can honestly say the practice changed me.
It taught me to look for good things on hard days, treasure ordinary moments, and appreciate the people God has placed in my life. Most importantly, it reminded me that there is always something to be grateful for.
I highly recommend taking on the endeavor of writing 1,000 gratitude statements.
Please visit my author website by clicking the link below to learn more about my upcoming book, Defined by Love, launching in the first week of November. I would love for you to subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
