The Power of Thanks + Giving

11 Gratitude Prompts to Use Everyday

Working to live in abundance, embody gratitude, and recognize the truth that it is all happening for us is part of my daily practice. But this time of year, I crave additional times of reflection as much as I crave that perfect Thanksgiving-leftovers sandwich. With that in mind, I’ve put together 11 Gratitude Prompts to boost our attitude of gratitude this week.

Pick one, pick two, pick ten. Use this week as an opportunity to not only fill your cup, but also the cups of those around you. 

Comment below about which Prompt hit home for you!

11 Gratitude Prompts

1. Pen a note of thanks.

When was the last time you busted out some stationary or a funny card and sent it to someone ‘just because’? This week, take a few minutes to put pen to paper and remind someone that you are thinking of them.

2. Fire up the stove.

Feeding other people is my love language. Because my schedule is so travel-intensive, spending hours cooking in the kitchen is a luxury for me. This week, I plan to make up for the last 10 weeks I spent on the road. Whether it’s Grandma’s cookie recipe or your famous lasagna, make something delicious and spread the love by bringing some to a neighbor or friend.

3. Give thanks to Mother Earth.

Too often, we overlook the power of nature and the majesty of our planet. This past weekend, we took Rue for a quick stop at the dog beach only to encounter plastic, plastic, and more plastic. Mother Nature needs our support now more than ever. Planning to take a walk in the park? Bring a trash bag and fill it up. Recommit to using reusable bags when shopping and opt for the items not packaged in plastic. Ditch the Solo cups at this weekend’s party and use glass or reusable water bottles instead. Remember that the small actions of many make a big impact; Mother Nature will thank you.

4. Put down your phone.

During this morning’s run, I passed a group of kids waiting for the school bus. They were all hunched over their phones, so engulfed in their screens that no one was talking to anyone else. I was at once saddened by the thought of all those lost interactions and aware that these kids were serving as a mirror—and as gratitude prompts for myself! 

They made me recognize the opportunities I too have to be more connected to others.

Often, while Chad is driving, I’ll use that time in the car to get caught up on DM’s or just get lost in my phone. This week, put down your phone. Instead, strike up a conversation or take in the scenery. Catch yourself—find the moments when you could be present to what’s going on around you and take them! I suspect we’ll discover even more to be thankful for.

5. Send a DM or email of thanks.

I spent the last week at a mastermind retreat learning, growing, and listening to so many inspiring people. I was reminded how none of us get where we are going alone. From our true mentors to those artists who inspire us on social media, there are so many people to be thankful for. This week, send them a DM and express your gratitude for the ways they’ve impacted you.

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”

— Meister Eckhart

6. Care for the workhorses in your life.

Two weeks ago, I was in a beautiful hacienda just outside of the town center of Merida, Mexico, photographing Stephanie’s Hill’s (The Style Bungalow) incredible wedding. On the drive home from the reception, I peered into the doorless, single-room houses where I caught glimpses of families watching soccer together from the hammocks they sleep in. 

Often, travel is a beautiful blessing which reminds us how much we DO have. Our front door; the roof above our heads; the running water in the shower; the bed that we sleep in; the car that allows us to drive to the store to stock up on food—there is so much to be thankful for. We tend to take all of this for granted. This week, wash the car, flip the mattress, clean out a closet, or organize the desk, and give thanks by taking care of something you might otherwise neglect.

7. Give the gift of time.

Is it just me or does time move faster during this season? With holiday deadlines (think: editing, editing, and more editing), it’s easy to let days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months and years. I’m challenging myself to pick up the phone and reach out with a listening ear to friends and family members during morning walks or editing sessions. Who do you need to reach out to this week?

8. Practice kindness.

Whether it’s holding the door, sharing a smile, or simply being patient in that long store line, remember that we are all in this together. If the crowds have you wanting to lay on the horn or show impatience to the cashier, get present to that and channel kindness. Trust me, it will be more enjoyable for you and the people around you.

9. Take stock.

Let me ask you: what are you proud of? Write down your accomplishments. Maybe it’s one thing. Maybe it’s 10. Read them, truly let them sink in, and then, celebrate them! Remember how far you’ve come and how grateful you are for what you’ve accomplished. Too often, we don’t pause on the mountaintop to look down and see how far we’ve come from where we started. This week, express your gratitude to The Universe, God, or your Higher Power.

10. Play and have fun.

Rue has an unmatchable lust for life. She goes 100mph and gives everything 110%. She reminds me that there is so much to be happy about, and that the little things––a lizard, a park, the wind in your hair––can be things to get really excited about. This week, don’t forget to have fun. Let your hair down. Act silly. Find ways to laugh that eye-watering, from-the-belly laugh. Do something just because it’s a good time. Life is a game and games are supposed to be fun!

11. Fill your cup.

I’m a big fan of a nice glass of wine by the fire, but I mean this in a larger sense. All too often, we give to others, and forget to show up for ourselves. Take time to fill your cup in ways that make your heart happy. A good meal/book/glass of wine, a run through the trees, a pedicure, you name it. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

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Take some time today to slow down, give thanks and cherish the simple, but oh-so-meaningful ways we can cultivate gratitude in our lives every day. And use the Gratitude Prompts to jump-start your habit.

Thank you for making a difference and an impact in my life, by sharing this space with me.

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