Something as simple as a box can help in the practice of gratitude. Choose a box, and make it appealing by decorating it or adding other personal touches. If a box really isn’t your ‘thing’ perhaps you can write a list…use special paper. The idea is to make the box or list special. Keep the box or list somewhere where you can see it so that you can use it easily and also so you don’t forget about it when life gets busy! (Thornton, 2016). Put a pen and paper close by, too, so you’re all set up to make entries. Perhaps you could even put a special pen in the box itself.

Then, record the good things that happen on small pieces of paper and either put the paper in your box, or write the good thing that has happened on your special paper (Thornton, 2016). Spend time regularly reflecting on whoever, or whatever, makes you feel appreciative and grateful (Thornton, 2016). Record the date on the piece of paper, and write about what you are grateful for that day – for example, perhaps you have had a pleasant surprise such as a gift, or maybe you accomplished one of your goals. It doesn’t have to be something significant – you may simply record a fun or memorable moment (Thornton, 2016).

Then, choose a special day (such as New Year’s Eve, or your next birthday). Open your box, or sit down with your list, and read over all the great things that have happened over the year that you are truly grateful for (Thornton, 2016). This is an easy and fun activity that helps you to reflect on happy memories.