How can I make tomorrow’s gratitude practice on Thanksgiving feel genuine and not forced?

Aim for specific, sensory moments rather than big, abstract “shoulds.” In the morning, set a simple intention in your Stoic journal: “Notice one sight, one sound, and one kindness.” Through the day, capture brief notes like: “Warm mug in my hands,” “Cousin’s laugh,” “Neighbor held the door.” If expectations or comparisons creep in, return to a Stoic frame: focus on what’s in your control—your attention and attitude—not the outcomes. In the evening, reflect on which moments felt authentic and why, even if they were small.

What do I write if I’m anxious about family stuff and not feeling grateful at all?

Start with honesty: “Right now I feel anxious because…” Name the feeling, then pair it with one grounded gratitude that coexists with it, not to erase it: “And I’m grateful for…” (e.g., a quiet corner, a supportive text, a walk). Use the “because” test to keep it real: “I’m grateful for my breath because it steadies me for 10 seconds at a time.” If gratitude feels out of reach, shift to appreciation of neutral facts (a chair to sit on, a meal to eat). In Stoic, jot 2–3 lines—truth first, then one small appreciation. That’s enough.

How do I know if practicing gratitude actually changes anything by the end of the day?

Bookend the day. Morning: write your intention and a quick mood word (e.g., tense, okay, calm) in Stoic. Evening: answer three checks—1) Did my body feel any different at any point? (jaw, breath, shoulders) 2) Did anything look slightly better in perspective? 3) Did gratitude nudge one small action (a kind word, a pause before reacting)? Compare morning and evening entries for even tiny shifts. Consistency matters more than intensity—notice trendlines over a few days, not perfection in one.

Journaling Idea - On Thanksgiving.

What would it look like for you to practice gratitude tomorrow?

Would you change anything? Would you feel different?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Nov 25, 2023

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

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