Create a Fall Gratitude Journal to Welcome Autumn’s Energy

Did someone say apple cider and sweet potato pie? Since fall has finally grown on me, I’ve been looking for a way to really celebrate all that the season has to offer. 

And I’m inviting you to join me.

If you love fall – or even if you don’t but still want to make the most of it – creating your very own fall gratitude journal could be a great way to help you appreciate its beauty and transformative energy.

create a fall gratitude journal

Fall gratitude journaling is a new concept to me, but I want to be present and aware of all the changes this season. So I’ll be trying something new.

Why Keep a Gratitude Journal in the Fall?

For many of us, the fall season represents a time of change and transformation. But also a time for rest and renewal. 

A gratitude journal is a great way to document our experiences during this season. But it isn’t solely about writing down a list of items you’re grateful for.

It’s also about capturing the energy of the autumn season and using it to improve your mindset and overall well-being.

Benefits of keeping a gratitude journal:

  • Supports your personal growth journey – Through reflection and sharing your thoughts, you’re able to understand yourself better
  • Aids in practicing mindfulness – Acknowledging the changing of leaves or the crisp air keeps you in the present and raises awareness
  • Helps with manifestation – Showing appreciation for what you already have opens you up to receive more things.

How to Set Up Your Fall Gratitude Journal 

Step 1: Give It a Purpose

What is your intention in creating this journal? It’s important to think about what purpose you want this journal to serve. 

Is it to help you start a gratitude practice? Or will it serve as a tool to practice self-care, boost your mood, or help with personal growth? Maybe all of the above.

You can use your journal for Fall writing prompts, tracking your favorite fall activities, or capturing your thoughts and reflections for the season.

Personally, I plan to use my journal for all of these things. I’m also thinking it would be a great idea to keep journals for every season. It’ll be a good way to reflect back on my goals and how I felt during that time in life.

Having a specific intention for your journal will help you stay motivated and make it easier to maintain your journaling practice.

Step 2: Map Out the Content

Now that we’ve chosen the journal’s purpose, it’s time to plan the layout.

How will you organize it? Try to structure your journal in a way that captures all aspects of the fall season but will also make you excited to grab your journal each day.

Here are some sections you can include:

  • Daily Gratitude List – If you’re working on creating an attitude of gratitude, this is where you’ll write down a list things you are grateful for each day. Try to write down at least 3 things each day.

    It doesn’t matter if you repeat items for a couple of days in a row – the point is to get into the habit of showing your appreciation for things in your life.
  • Fall Experience and Activities – Note down all of your fall experiences. Places you’ve visited, fall foods you enjoy, and things you’ve observed in nature.

    You can even use it to plan future activities like a bonfire, a cozy movie night with friends, or a trip to a haunted house. Do what you want here, but make it all about the fall!
  • Drawing and Photos – I randomly doodle all the time, so I’m excited to see what drawings of mine will make it here. You can sketch leaves or other fall scenery.

    If you’re not into drawing, you can also find pictures of your favorite fall items and glue them in this section. Love taking photos of yourself, family, or friends? If you’re taking them in the fall, print those out and add them here too.
  • Reflections – This section is important. We don’t take the time to stop and reflect. Not because we don’t want to, it’s because we’re always busy! Work, school, life, etc…

    At the end of each day or week, stop to reflect on how you’re feeling. Try looking for patterns, new feelings, or even new thoughts.
a Pinterest quote about fall journaling

Step 3: Make it Fall-Themed

Let’s get creative and make this journal look, feel, and smell like the fall!

If you love getting creative like I do, it’s time to pull out your arts and crafts. The goal is to make this journal feel cozy and very autumn-like.

To start, think about the color scheme of your journal. Fall colors tend to be warm. So finding a journal that’s red, orange, or yellow is a good place to start. You could also opt for a black journal since you’re likely to decorate the cover.

Go heavy on the fall-themed stickers. Leaves, pumpkins, acorns, and fall quotes are a good place to start. You can also use warm-colored pens to write in your journal.

Make your journal smell like fall by spraying a Kleenex with your favorite fall scent and then stick it in the front or back of your notebook. Be sure to let the Kleenex dry first! Refresh as needed.

If you’re having trouble coming up with decor ideas, just think about things that make fall special to you. Some things that make fall special to me are hot chocolate, heated blankets, Halloween, and spending time with family.

Step 4: Add it to Your Daily Routine

The whole purpose of creating a fall gratitude journal is to actually use it.

The best way to do this is by incorporating the journal into your daily routine. Pick a time each day to write in or decorate your journal.

Add it to your morning routine as you sip your favorite cup of coffee. Or include it as part of your evening routine as you wind down for the day. The goal is to be consistent.

If you’re leaning towards having a separate journaling routine (this is what I’m leaning towards), make sure you put some thought into how you’d like this to go.

I would suggest picking a spot that makes you feel super comfortable. You want to be somewhere where you feel good.

I love to have my windows open in the fall so that I can see the changing leaves on the trees behind my house – so I would work by a window.

You also want to create a cozy atmosphere. Grab your favorite blanket, candle, and drink to have near you as you work. Maybe even turn on some relaxing music ( I’m loving Lo-fi these days). 

When you see or hear these items, they can put you in the mood to spend time with your journal.

Other Fall Activities to Pair with Journaling

Yep. Journaling is awesome. But here are some more activities you can pair with your fall gratitude journal.

1. Create a Fall Bucket List

Jot down a list of all the activities you want to do in the Fall season. You can add these to the Fall Experience and Activities section of your journal, and then check them off as you complete each one.

2. Carve a Pumpkin

Every year I plan to carve a pumpkin, but I never do. But I’m going to do it this year. I plan to document this 1st time experience with photos.

3. Try Fall Affirmations

Have you ever thought about fall affirmations? They are a great way to embrace the change that comes with the season while helping us to increase feelings of gratefulness.

4. Walk in Nature

One of my goals is to spend more time appreciating the beauty of Mother Nature. Go for a walk. Observe all that you see. What color are the leaves? What types of smells are in the air? What animals do you see?

Pinterest image saying how to create a fall gratitiude journal

Journaling For Gratitude in the Fall

As you can see, your gratitude journal doesn’t have to be just a list of things you’re thankful for in life. It’s also about your experiences and thoughts because these things also add value and affect our well-being.

Is Fall your favorite season? Check out these posts for some ways to enjoy the fall:  

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