Life is full of these special everyday moments that you remember for years. It may be as simple as enjoying a peaceful afternoon at the beach or laughing until your belly hurts. Things aren’t always easy, but it’s nice to take a step back and remember what you’re most grateful for. A helpful way to do this is by completing a 30 days of gratitude challenge!
This time of year always makes me feel thankful. I like to take in every moment that I can fully. Maybe it’s the magical colors of fall leaves and Chicago’s brisk air. The holidays are coming up soon, cozy blankets, and can’t forget all of those Yankee scented candles! But most of all, I’m thankful for my family and friends. Don’t know how I got so lucky to have them in my life!
The “little things” are truly amazing. Here is my 30-day gratitude challenge. I hope that it inspires you to find the beauty of this present moment!
30 Days of Gratitude Challenge
Day 1: What is a happy memory you’re grateful for?
Challenge: Make a pretty accent wall of old photographs!
For the first challenge, reflect back on a cherished memory. What is it about the memory that makes you feel grateful? Who was with you at the time? What were you doing? After you recall the memory, gather old photographs from that day. If you can’t find any, simply make an adorable gallery featuring your favorite old photos!
There are quite a few amazing photo gallery ideas online — I love this tutorial by The Lovely Drawer! 📷
My favorite gallery walls are from Shay Cochrane & Rachel Parcell They’re both gorgeous! 🌸
Day 2: Think about a place you’re grateful for.
Challenge: Visit & spend an afternoon at your chosen destination.
We all have go-to hangout spots that feel homey — maybe it’s the beach or a cozy diner near you. Spend a relaxing afternoon at your chosen destination and take in the sights and sounds. Personally, I love driving to Lake Michigan. My family grew up five minutes from the lake and I like to visit whenever I can. It feels like home. I’ll usually just look out at the water or enjoy a yummy picnic!
Day 3: What is an inspiring album that you’re grateful for?
Challenge: Play a meaningful song from the album!
What is an album that made an impact on you from the first listen? Are there any older albums in your collection that you still replay to this day? Stream the album on Spotify or Apple music from start to finish. If you have a physical copy of the album, take a look at its cover art and read the lyrics! Why do you feel grateful for this album in particular? 🎵
A few albums that changed my life are A Fine Frenzy’s One Cell in the Sea, Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlanticism, Kate Walsh’s Tim’s House, and Landon Pigg’s The Boy Who Never. I still replay these albums all the time even though they’re each over 10 years old!
Day 4: What is a type of food that you’re grateful for?
Challenge: Make your favorite dish for someone else!
Imagine the comforting scent of your favorite dish filling up the entire kitchen. Maybe you’re envisioning chocolate fudge brownies baking in the oven or creamy chicken soup cooking in a crockpot. Share the joy of your favorite dish with someone else! You’ll definitely make their day! 💗
Day 5: What is a TV show or movie that makes you smile?
Challenge: Host a viewing party at your place with snacks & silly decorations!
What TV show or movie makes you laugh until your stomach hurts? If I’m having a bad day, I’ll sit down and watch an episode of The Office or New Girl. Both shows are hilarious and make me giggle during stressful periods!
Pick a show that you watch all the time and host a viewing party. You can even DIY a few cute decorations and make chips & dip! 📺
Day 6: Who is someone you’re grateful for?
Challenge: Make them a personalized gift, like a care package!
Show someone you care by making them a lovely gift basket or care package! Fill it up with their favorite items, whether it’s snacks, lotion, makeup or comfy socks! 💛
Day 7: What social media platform do you use often?
Challenge: Share a positive post with your followers!
For Day #7 of the 30 days of gratitude challenge, make someone’s day better by simply sharing a funny video or uplifting post! 💓
Day 8: Think of a coworker who made a positive impact.
Challenge: Email a manager & let them know your coworker is awesome!
Can you think of a coworker who helped you during your first day? What about someone who makes sure to stop by your desk each day and say “hello” in the mornings? Let your manager know they made a positive impact!
Day 9: What gift are you most grateful to have received?
Challenge: Research a local charity & make a donation.
Look up meaningful charities near you and donate what you can. Maybe it’s a monetary donation, toiletries, or non-perishable items. It’s important to always give back to your community whenever possible!
Day 10: What about nature is most beautiful to you?
Challenge: Drive to the countryside & write a journal entry about your surroundings.
Day 11: What are you grateful for in your daily life?
Challenge: Start a gratitude jar & add a new note each night!
Day 12: What is your favorite time of the day?
Challenge: Choose a time (evening, morning, noon, etc.) & enjoy a peaceful moment.
Day 13: What season do you look forward to each year?
Challenge: Create a mood board with pretty pictures of your most beloved season.
The changing of seasons is truly magical! To celebrate your fave season, create an inspiring mood board. Cut out magazine pages and positive quotes associated with the season. For example, if you love winter, add things like snowflakes, a pine tree, and a cozy cabin! 🌲
Day 14: What do you love about your hometown?
Challenge: Give someone a tour of your hometown (e.g. favorite restaurants, shops, hidden gems, etc.)
Day 15: What is a nonprofit charity that you believe in?
Challenge: Volunteer your time, donate, start a fundraiser. Do what you can to help the organization!
Day 16: What is a passion or hobby that refreshes you?
Challenge: Support a friend who has a similar hobby.
Think of your biggest passion or hobby. Maybe it’s art, poetry, sports, etc. Do you know a friend who happens to have a similar hobby? Let them know you care by supporting their passion!
For example, maybe your bestie is a poet. Show support by going to to one of their poetry readings. They’ll definitely be happy to see you there! It’s always motivating to know that the people around us support our dreams. ☁️
Day 17: What is a learning experience that you’re grateful for?
Challenge: Write an encouraging letter to your past self.
In life, we all have our ups and downs. We learn new things every day, grow as people, and overcome challenges. At the moment, what advice would you give to your past self? What makes you feel proudest right now? What are some lessons you’ve learned so far? Reflect on these questions and write a letter to your younger self. 🖊️
Day 18: What is a little moment that you’re grateful for today?
Challenge: Do one 5-minute mindfulness exercise.
Day 19: What book are you grateful for reading?
Challenge: Donate books to a local school or library.
Day 20: Who is a mentor or teacher you’re most grateful for?
Challenge: Email them & let them know why they made a difference in your life.
Do you have a favorite teacher? Someone who mentored you during a difficult period? Reach out to them via email and say thanks! Sometimes, we don’t truly know the impact we have on other people!
Teachers definitely deserve to be more appreciated because they help us grow as people during our adolescence. Without my teachers, I don’t think I’d run this blog today! Special shout out to all of my amazing English teachers from years past! 💛
Day 21: What is a little gesture that made your day?
Challenge: Complete a random act of kindness.
Pay for someone’s dinner, make treats for your coworkers, let someone cut in line, etc. Little acts of kindness go a long way! ✨
Day 22: Who helped you during a trying time?
Challenge: Call up a loved one who’s having a hard year.
Listen and just let them know you’re there. When you’re going through something, a simple phone call or chat with a friend truly means the world!
Day 23: What is a personality trait about yourself that you’re grateful for?
Challenge: Give yourself a compliment out loud!
Day 24: What is a fashion staple or item of clothing that you’re grateful for?
Challenge: Find a way to incorporate the fashion staple in your outfit today!
Do you have a fashion piece or accessory that you just love? I’m talking about the staple that truly completes your outfit and makes you feel confident? For Day 24 of the 30 days of gratitude, rock that statement piece! 👠
Day 25: Who do you consider family?
Challenge: Start a Facebook group message & plan a family reunion with your loved ones.
When you think of family, who pops up in your head? Who supports your dreams? Who is there for you during tough times? Also, think of the people who bring positive energy to your life!
Schedules gets busy sometimes, but it’s important to make time for the people you love. Start a Facebook group message and plan a future get together! 💗
Day 26: What service are you grateful for?
Challenge: Say thanks!
As someone who works as a call center rep, it makes me so happy when I receive compliments from customers. You can always say thanks by doing little things like doubling a tip at a restaurant, giving your hairstylist a gift for the holidays, or completing a survey! 💛
Day 27: What are little things you’re grateful for about your spouse, best friend, s/o, etc.?
Challenge: Surprise them!
Think about what your s/o’s love language is and do something nice for them. Fill up their gas tank, make them a Halloween gift basket, take them on a fun outing etc. They’ll appreciate the sweet surprise!
Day 28: What do you like about your job?
Challenge: Help someone with their resume or Linkedin profile!
Everyone has good and bad days at work. It isn’t always an easy task, but think of a few things that make you feel grateful about your job. Maybe it’s that you’re close to home, love your manager, or became besties with a few of your coworkers.
For today’s challenge, help a friend or acquaintance out with their resume! Maybe they are looking for a new job or want to make a career change. The job application process can be brutal sometimes and it’s nice to have support. You’ll directly encourage someone to keep pursuing their goals and that’s a great feeling! ✨
Day 29: What public figure are you most grateful for? (singer, actor, writer, scientist, etc.)
Challenge: Take some time to enjoy their work!
Day 30: What is something you find magical about the universe?
Challenge: Learn new incredible facts!
For the final day of the 30 days of gratitude challenge, learn more about the wonders of our universe. Visit a observatory, go the science museum, watch a documentary, or simply marvel at the beauty of a night sky! 🌠
30 Days of Gratitude Checklist
I hope that you enjoyed this post, lovelies. Have a great week! x
What did you think of the 30 days of gratitude? Have you ever completed a gratitude challenge before?
Love this and am grateful that you shared
Great post! I never actually put gratitude in my routine but I’d love to try! I love your ideas so I’ll keep them in mind 😍
Thank you so much, Caroline!! 💛 So happy you liked the ideas!! I feel like thinking about what you’re grateful for really helps you put things into perspective and brings a lot of positivity to your day! x
I’ve instantly pinned this! I’m looking to do some sort of gratitude challenge for the new year and this is perfect! 😊 Xx
Thank you so much — you’re so sweet!!! 💗 I’ve done 30 day challenges before & found them really inspirational & fun! I hope you enjoy my version of the gratitude challenge & it’s helpful during the New Year!! x
i LOVE this!! such a good way to stop & be thankful, even for the little things!
Aww, thank you so much!! 💛 So glad you enjoyed the post! It’s definitely important to take a moment & appreciate those little everyday things 😊
Hope you’re having a great Friday! x
Amazing post Nunzia! These prompts are so useful, especially since, when trying to find things you are grateful for, it’s very easy to just state the “basic” – but still important – things like family and friends, without thinking about other small things like nature, music, hobbies, etc! Thanks for sharing 😍
Thank you so much, Juliette! 💓 That’s so true — loved ones are always the first ones who come to mind! I like the idea of a gratitude challenge too cause it reminds you of those everyday moments you may have missed. It’s really nice to take a moment & appreciate the little things, especially around this time of year & with the holidays coming up! x