“Windows of Gratitude” Free Art Workshop Series

Gratitude allows us to notice the good that surrounds us, even when faced with challenges.

When we regularly focus on gratitude, we begin to see more moments of beauty, connection, and meaning in our everyday lives. Combined with creative expression, gratitude can offer you a powerful way to reduce stress, process emotions, stay grounded in the present moment, and nurture your strengths, joy and resilience. This free art workshop series combines creative expression, reflection, and gratitude practices to support emotional well-being, help reduce stress, and cultivate hope.

Through 12 guided prompts, you are invited to slow down, reflect on meaningful moments, and create tangible reminders of the goodness in your life. Even during difficult times, there is often something we can be thankful for, whether it’s the breath we take or the sun rising each morning.

Each prompt includes:

    • A printable gratitude journal prompt and creative expression page
    • A reflection video from an AWBW Art Facilitator
    • Artwork examples for inspiration

Research shows that gratitude practices can positively impact physical, social-emotional, and psychological well-being. In positive psychology research, gratitude is associated with greater happiness, optimism, stronger relationships, and an increased ability to navigate adversity. Studies have also found that regularly writing down things you are grateful for can help increase optimism and shift the way we notice and experience the world around us. (Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier)

These workshops can be especially helpful for adults navigating stress, burnout, grief, caregiving, or the demands of everyday life. The focus is not on creating something that looks a certain way, but on mindfully engaging in the creative process and noticing moments of goodness and gratitude.

DOWNLOAD YOUR "WINDOWS OF GRATITUDE" JOURNAL

PROMPT #1
“What does it mean to you to look at your life through a lens of gratitude?”
Cathy Salser, A Window Between Worlds, California

Cathy Salser

Cathy’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #2
“List five things you’re grateful for that your senses allow you to experience.”
Unathi Mahlati, Just Detention International, South Africa

Unathi Mahlati

Unathi’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #3
“Think about the beauty of ordinary moments you appreciate in life. Describe how they keep you grounded.”
Norma Canelas, YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Illinois

Norma Canelas

Norma’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #4
“We can learn a lot from ourselves through the challenges we face. What is something you are grateful for that challenged/challenges you?”
Cymone Williams, SafeHouse Denver, Inc., Colorado

Cymone Williams

Cymone’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #5
“What personal strengths are you grateful for and how have they helped you in life?”
Rose Curtis, AWBW’s Survivors’ Art Circle, Arizona

Rose Curtis

Rose’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #6
“What dream or desire of yours are you grateful for and why?”
Birgit Funck Shorack, InnerChange, Columbia

Birgit Funck Shorack

Birgit’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #7
“You embody the wildest dreams of your ancestors. Create a representation of generational strength that you are grateful for to have received from them.”
Melodie Lopez, HONOR Collective, Arizona

Melodie Lopez

Melodie’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #8
“Think about the impact you’ve had on others. What have you learned from the gratitude they have shared with you?”
Nohemí Lugo, YWCA Greater Lafayette, Indiana

Nohemí Lugo

Nohemi’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #9
“Take a moment to look outside. What’s something you are grateful for in nature?”
Carlos Mares, Rialto Unified School District, California

Carlos Mares

Carlos’ response to his prompt

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PROMPT #10
“Reflect on experiences that have brought you to this moment in time. Write a thank you letter to your past self.”
Isabel Bocanegra, Northeast GA Council on Domestic Violence, Georgia
Video with Windows Facilitator Debbie, East Los Angeles Women’s Center, California

Isabel Bocanegra

Isabel’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #11
“Write your name vertically down the center of the page. For each letter, list something you are grateful for. Use the letters for any part of the words you list.”
Megan Shaffer, Patton State Hospital, California

Megan Shaffer

Megan’s response to her prompt

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PROMPT #12
“How has using this gratitude journal helped you? How will you continue to incorporate gratitude into your life?”
Lucy Tschachtli, Haven House & Family Services, New York

Lucy Tschachtli

Lucy’s response to her prompt

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MOVING FORWARD:
Carrying Gratitude with Us
You are invited to reflect on your gratitude journey and use this page to plant seeds of change you wish to carry forward. Using words, shapes, and colors, create something you can use as a touchstone to anchor your gratitude journey.
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