Part 5: Growing Gratitude
Photo Collections
Welcome to the last post in my Gratitude Series. Here are the links in case you missed the first, second, third or fourth one. Today’s post is all about building gratitude through a photo journal!
Gratitude isn’t just about words—it’s about cherishing the moments that make life meaningful. A Gratitude Photo Journal is a powerful way to document and celebrate those moments, creating a living album that reflects your journey of appreciation over time.
Why a Gratitude Photo Journal?
This practice helps you pause and notice the beauty in everyday life. By capturing photos of gratitude-filled moments, you create a visual record of joy, connection, and positivity. Over time, the journal becomes a source of inspiration and comfort, especially during challenging times.
How to Start Your Gratitude Photo Journal
Choose Your Platform: Decide if you’d like a physical photo album or a digital version (e.g., a dedicated folder on your phone, a private Instagram account, or an app like One Second Everyday).
Capture Gratitude Moments: Whenever you feel grateful, snap a photo that represents the moment. It could be a shared laugh with a friend, a quiet morning cup of tea, or a beautiful view during a walk.
Add Reflection: Pair each photo with a short note about why the moment was meaningful. Reflecting as you record helps deepen the gratitude.
Review Regularly: Take time to revisit your journal monthly or annually. You’ll see a tangible reminder of the good in your life and the moments you’ve appreciated most.
Stories of Gratitude in Action
My friend Brittany takes this idea to heart with the 1SE (One Second Everyday) app, capturing one second of video every day for a year. She started in 2017 snapping one second of her day. At the end of the year, she has a visual timeline of gratitude—moments big and small that reflect her year in an authentic, beautiful way. Watching it reminds her of the little joys that might have otherwise been forgotten. Here’s what she had to say about her gratitude photo journal practice:
“I love doing 1SE because it gives me a chance to look back at the end of the year and see how much I’ve grown, how much my family has grown, and to see the wonderful, fun memories mixed with random day to day life. I’m able to reflect on the things I have and find how much beauty is in the ordinary daily pace of life.”
Her expert tip would be to make sure you have enough memory on your phone for all those videos! lol
Inspired by practices like Brittany’s, I started my own gratitude photo journal when I began dating my now partner. It’s a simple photo album on my iphone labeled with his initials. I wanted to capture all the moments that made me grateful for him—the thoughtful gestures, the fun adventures, and even the small, quiet moments at home we’ve shared. Over the years, this album has grown, becoming a collection of memories that deepen my appreciation for our relationship. Flipping through it is a constant reminder of how lucky I feel to have him in my life.
Benefits of a Gratitude Photo Journal
Fosters Mindfulness: Capturing gratitude moments helps you focus on the present.
Boosts Positivity: Looking back at your journal can lift your mood, especially on tough days.
Strengthens Relationships: Sharing these moments with others can deepen your connections and express appreciation.
Your Turn
Start your Gratitude Photo Journal today! Whether you’re documenting quiet personal moments or the joy of being with loved ones, let your photos remind you of life’s beauty. If you’ve been part of my 21-Day Gratitude Challenge, this is a perfect way to continue to capture your journey beyond the challenge. Let’s preserve and celebrate gratitude, one photo at a time. 📸✨