60 Thanksgiving Journal Prompts for Adults to Celebrate Blessings

Last Updated on June 21, 2024

We’re all about gratitude year-round over here at Ambitiously Alexa, but Thanksgiving really brings gratitude to the forefront of everyone’s mind this time of year! If you’re not a regular gratitude-practicer, there’s no time better than Thanksgiving to start.

These Thanksgiving journal prompts for adults are perfect for examining your thoughts, feelings, and all the little blessings that bring you joy. Journaling is a great way to recognize that even in troubling times, life IS good. And if you think deeply about all the positive things surrounding you, you will feel good!

So here are my best Thanksgiving journal prompts for adults to savor the Thanksgiving holiday and reflect on all the great things life has to offer!

Table of Contents

Thanksgiving Themes for Journaling

As you journal, you can keep the following Thanksgiving related themes in mind to serve as a guide. Thanksgiving is such a warm, welcoming, and festive time spent with loved ones. Having a theme to reflect on can make it easier to write!

Thanksgiving themes include:

Quality time
Home cooked food
Family
Friends
Sharing and giving
Thanksgiving dinner
Celebration
Blessings

Picturing these themes in your mind before you take the pen to the paper will keep you inspired about all things Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Colors

If you’re a visual person and like to keep a colorful, vibrant journal, consider using the following colors as you write! You can use colored pens, stickers, washi tape, or highlighters to create a beautiful visual Thanksgiving theme.

Thanksgiving colors include:

Orange
Brown
Yellow
Gold
Red
Burgundy
White or cream

This is totally optional, but using colors in your journal if you’d like is a great way to keep yourself engaged!

60 Thanksgiving Journal Prompts for Adults to Reflect on Gratitude

Don’t lose these Thanksgiving journal prompts! Pin ’em for later!

What are your favorite sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences on Thanksgiving day?
What was your favorite Thanksgiving tradition growing up?
What are your favorite qualities about your friends?
What are your favorite qualities about your family members?
If you could do one act of kindness for someone you care about, what would it be and to whom?
What is your favorite thing about the fall season?
What is a major lesson you learned from a job? (These motivating work affirmations help me get through the work week!)
What is the best part about the holidays at the end of the year?
Think of the most recent person who has come into your life. What about them are you grateful for?
Does anything stress you out about Thanksgiving? What can you do to cope with this stress?
In what ways are you fortunate?
Write down 3 positive affirmations you need to hear most this season.

What abilities do you have that you’re grateful for?
What positive personality traits are you grateful to have?
What do you feel grateful to have experienced in your life?
What opportunities have you been presented that made you feel grateful?
Which relationships in your life have taught you a lesson?
What things do you tend to overlook or take for granted?
What have you gained in the last year that makes you grateful for what you have today?
Which obstacles have you overcome that you feel grateful to have persevered through?
What good qualities are you happy to offer others?
How does journaling benefit you? Are you happy to have it as an outlet in your life?

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Reflect on a time when you did a good act of kindness for someone.
Write out a quick list of 10 things you’re most grateful for.
How is your life more positive today than it was 5 years ago?
Think of a skill, ability, or trait you have that not many others possess. How do you feel about it?
What is your favorite part of your morning routine?
What is your favorite part of your night routine?
What is the best place you’ve ever visited?
What was the best friendship you’ve ever had?
Who in your life has had a big influence on shaping the person you’ve become today?
Which self care activity makes you feel good?
What are you grateful to have learned about yourself recently?
Which song will forever hold a special place in your heart?
Which book taught you something valuable?
What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?
Describe a past or current pet that you love. What do you love about them?
What do you love most about where you live?
What is your favorite comfort food that never fails to cheer you up?
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? What was it about?
What did you enjoy the most from this past Halloween?
What is a major lesson you learned as a teenager?
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do that ultimately led to a great accomplishment?
Do you have a mental health struggle that you’re currently managing? Describe your experience and your resiliency. (I have a printable mental health journal perfect for working through these struggles!)
Who can you count on to confide in whenever you need someone to talk to?
What is a good habit you’re proud to have?
What is a funny YouTube video you recently watched and loved?
What is something you always look forward to after a long week?
Describe a time where you felt brave or courageous.
What is something you’re working on forgiving yourself for?
What is something about modern technology that you appreciate?
When was a time where you felt at peace?
What is a small win you’ve achieved today?
What is a bigger win you’ve achieved in the last month?
What is something you can enjoy or appreciate about your commute to work?
What is something you use everyday that adds value to your life?
What is a hobby or leisurely activity you are happy to get to do? (100 hobby ideas for women in their 20s here!)
What is something that comes easily to you but is a challenge to others?
List your favorite accomplishment in life that you’re happy you achieved.
What freedoms do you have that make you feel blessed?

Which Thanksgiving Writing Prompts Were Your Favorites?

These Thanksgiving journal prompts for adults already have me recognizing all the good things I have to be grateful for! The history of Thanksgiving is all about celebrating the harvest and blessings of the past year, and these journal prompts fit in with that well.

I see a lot of Thanksgiving journal prompts around the internet that are geared toward kids in school, so I thought it would be helpful to make prompts geared toward adults.

As adults, we get so busy (especially during the holidays!) and it can be a challenge to slow down, pause, and reflect on our gratitudes. But taking the time to intentionally think about all the joys and blessings in life helps us grow even into our adulthood. I sincerely hope you take the time to bask in all the little things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Let me know in the comments which Thanksgiving journal prompts for adults were your favorite on this list!