How a Gratitude Practice Can Reset Your Writing Life
What would happen if you paused after every writing session—not to criticize what didn’t go well, but to appreciate what did?
What if you made space to reflect on what writing gives you, not just what it demands?
In this week’s solo episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I’m revisiting a practice that’s been pivotal in both my personal recovery and my writing life:
Gratitude.
And yes, we’ve talked about this before. But some topics never run out of steam—and this one’s worth pulling out of the vault.
The Reminder We All Need
Let’s be honest: writing can be hard. Sometimes it feels like a chore. Sometimes it feels like it’s asking too much. And in those moments, it’s easy to slip into I have to write instead of I get to write.
But the truth is, not everyone gets this opportunity. To imagine, to create, to shape meaning from this chaotic life—that’s a gift.
When we remember that, even for a moment, the pressure lifts a little. The page softens. We return to our work with a little more reverence.
How Gratitude Shifted My Mindset
I was introduced to gratitude journaling early in my recovery journey, at a time when things were not going well. I was emotionally low, pretty resistant to suggestions, and the idea of writing a gratitude list felt... hollow.
But I was desperate enough to try.
One of the first things I ever wrote down was, “I’m grateful I have feet.” Because, truly, that was all I could come up with.
And you know what? It was enough. Because it was true.
At first gratitude lists weren’t easy for me.
I was so used to scanning for what was missing, broken, or about to fall apart. But the more I practiced noticing what was working—however small—the easier it got. I started training my brain to look for the positive by default, not by force.
And that changed how I felt, even when nothing else had.
Gratitude Is a Practice (Just Like Writing)
Eventually, I learned that gratitude isn’t just a feeling. It’s an action.
Feeling thankful is good. But expressing it, living it, demonstrating it? That’s where the transformation happens.
For me, that looks like sharing tools, connecting with other writers, checking in on clients, and showing up for this community. That’s how I stay in gratitude.
It turns out, that same approach works with writing.
What If You Practiced Gratitude in Your Writing Life?
What if you asked yourself:
What went well in this writing session?
What am I grateful for in my creative life right now?
What has writing given me—beyond the draft itself?
Imagine creating a gratitude list that’s just about your writing. What would be on it?
Maybe it’s the idea that came to you in the shower.
The one beautiful sentence you wrote this week.
The critique partner who texted back.
The fact that you’re still showing up, even if you have no clue where this book is going.
My Writing Gratitude List
I’m grateful for my writing because…
It’s given me permission to explore my imagination—something I used to deny on purpose.
It challenges me to grow on so many levels.
It gives me a safe space to explore my thoughts and emotions.
It keeps my ego in check—I’ll never master writing. I’ll always be a student of it.
It gives me a sense of accomplishment.
It’s fun (sometimes) and maddening at others—kind of like most of my close relationships! LOL.
It’s connected me to so many wonderful people from all different walks of life that I never would’ve met otherwise. My life is richer because of it.
An Invitation: Create Your Own Gratitude Centered Writing List
Try it. Just a short list—three to five things you’re grateful for in your writing life. If it feels good, stretch it to ten.
This practice doesn’t just support your mood. It supports your momentum.
Words Are Never Wasted
Even the drafts that fall apart, the paragraphs you delete, the scenes you rewrite for the tenth time—they all teach you something. They’re part of the process. Part of your evolution as a storyteller.
They’re proof that you’re in it. That you’re doing the thing.
So don’t be afraid of crappy writing. Don’t fear the mess. Don’t avoid the work just because it feels hard.
Gratitude helps soften the resistance and fosters your momentum.
Final Thoughts
Here’s what I want you to hold on to:
You matter more than you realize, and so do your stories.
You are uniquely creative because you’re you.
You have every right to pick up your pen and write the story you wish to see in the world.
The only permission you need is your own.
You can learn everything you need to craft a book you’re proud of.
You do this because you love it, and that’s valid.
It’s okay to take breaks or step away for a while. You’re still a writer.
So, friend, look in the mirror and see the beauty and courage you put into the world, then go write that down.
“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner—continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”
Before your head hits the pillow tonight, jot down three small things you’re grateful for in your writing life. It might just shift how you see tomorrow’s page.
