3 Simple & Creative Ways to Stay Thankful Every Day

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be so easy to overlook the blessings God gives us. Whether you're running around with little ones, lesson planning for your students, or just juggling a full schedule, we all need simple ways to refocus our hearts on gratitude. Today, I’m sharing three creative and practical ways to stay thankful—every single day.

These ideas don’t take much time, but they will shift your mindset and help you prioritize giving thanks to God from the heart. Whether you try one or all three, remember: your relationship with God is personal. What matters most is that your heart stays connected to Him in gratitude.

Because here’s the truth: a thankful heart is a happy heart. Let’s dive in.

1. Highlight & Meditate on Bible Verses About Gratitude

One of the most powerful ways to stay thankful is by meditating on God’s Word.

Start with this truth from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18:

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

When you highlight verses like this in your Bible, they become visual reminders of God’s promises. Try adding a little tab or sticky note (Mr. Pen’s pastel tabs are perfect for this!) so you can easily return to them throughout the week.

Here are two more verses to reflect on:

• 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!”

• Psalm 7:17 – “I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”

Keep building your own collection of go-to scriptures that fill your heart with gratitude. Over time, you’ll have a powerful spiritual toolbelt ready for any day you need encouragement.

2. Start a Daily Gratitude List

Gratitude journaling doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need is a notebook and a few minutes. Personally, I love using a Mr. Pen journal and their smooth, colorful pens—they just make writing feel extra joyful.

Each day, take a moment to jot down a few things you're thankful for. Big or small, every blessing counts! Maybe it's an answered prayer, a kind friend, or even just the sunshine outside your window. When you pause and take stock of God’s goodness, it shifts your entire day.

Want to take it up a notch? Add a pop of color using Mr. Pen’s highlighters or washi tape to make your gratitude list visually uplifting. It’s a fun way to personalize your journaling time and keep you coming back for more.

3. Write Praise Notes & Post Them Around

This might be my favorite tip of all: write down mini praise notes!

Think of them as spiritual sticky notes. You can write just one word or a sentence of thanks to God and post them where you’ll see them—on your mirror, your laptop, your kitchen cabinet, or inside your Bible. These little reminders become quick encouragements throughout the day, especially when you’re tempted to complain or feel overwhelmed.

You can even tuck them into your journal along with your gratitude list for a whole section dedicated to thanksgiving. God delights in our requests, yes—but He also delights in our thanks. Let's make sure our relationship with Him is a two-way conversation.

Let's Recap: 3 Creative Ways to Stay Thankful

1. Highlight & Meditate on Scripture – Let God's Word renew your mind.

2. Keep a Gratitude List – A simple, daily habit that shifts your focus.

3. Post Praise Notes – Visual reminders of God’s goodness, right where you need them.

Staying thankful doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. With just a few moments each day—and some fun Mr. Pen supplies—you can cultivate a heart of gratitude that carries you through life’s ups and downs.

Which of these three will you try first? Share with us in the comments below!