The “Everything Hallelujah” Gratitude List for Everyday Joy

If you’ve ever thought about writing a gratitude list but weren’t sure where to start, this post will walk you through how to do it in a way that’s easy, genuine, and powerful enough to shift your perspective.

Writing a gratitude list is a beautiful reminder of the blessings in your life and a powerful tool to lean on during challenging times.

How to Write a Gratitude List

When it comes to creating a gratitude list, the most important thing is to keep it simple. There are no hard and fast rules—but I wanted to share a few gentle tips to get you started:

1. Pick a format: Pen and paper, the Notes app on your phone, your journal, or even little cue cards.
2. Get specific: Instead of general ideas, focus on small details that make it feel more personal and meaningful. For example, instead of writing something generic like “My husband” write “My husband’s great sense of humour”. 
3. Start writing: There’s no need to overthink it—just begin writing and let it flow naturally even if it’s just one or two things.
4. Simply have fun! This is meant to be a feel-good activity that brings you joy and gives your heart something to smile about.
5. 💡Bonus Tip – Make it a habit: Practicing daily gratitude is an easy yet powerful way to start shifting your mindset and negative thinking patterns. So making gratitude part of your regular routine can have a profound impact on your emotional health and wellness.

If you’d like a bit more structure, you can also group your list into categories of what you’re thankful for, such as:

• People (family, friends, co-workers, mentors)
• Little Things That Bring Joy (movie nights, a clean car, sunshine on your face)
• Places (your town, your home, a cozy coffee shop)
• Health & Wellness (your energy, your ability to move, access to medical care)
• Things Often Overlooked (fresh air, running water, a fridge)
• Spirituality/Faith (God, prayer, purpose, inner peace)
• Physical Belongings (your computer, special keepsakes, cozy comforts)
• Nature (the ocean, mountains, flowers)
• Frivolous Fun (funny animal videos, roller coasters, dance parties)

The (Unlikely) Inspiration for My Gratitude List

This is actually my first time writing a formal gratitude list. Usually, I’ll mention a few things I’m thankful for in prayer, or quickly jot notes on my phone when something meaningful pops into my mind.

Recently, like so many people, I was captivated by Justin Bieber’s performance at the Grammys—and even more so by his performances at Coachella this year. I’m definitely older than his usual fan base, but he’s truly won me over.

So, as you can probably guess, the inspiration behind this gratitude list comes from his song “Everything Hallelujah.” 

I never expected to be inspired by him, but the song is simple, authentic, yet deeply meaningful—which is probably why it’s been trending everywhere. It’s one bandwagon I don’t mind jumping on… just in my own way here, since I’m not much of a social media person.

Watching him sing it on stage with my girls beside me brought up so much emotion. It made me think about them—and all the small, everyday moments we often take for granted without even realizing it (cue Justin’s wisdom: “brand new day, hallelujah… brush my teeth, hallelujah!”).

Related post: 170 Gratitude Affirmations for More Joy in The Moment

What Does Hallelujah Mean Anyway

Before we jump in, let’s look at what the word hallelujah means. Hallelujah has a long and rich history, but for the purpose of this post, I’ll keep it short. However, if you’re curious one place you can explore is here on Wikipedia’s description of the meaning and history of the word.

Hallelujah comes from Hebrew and is actually made up of two parts: hallel, meaning “to praise,” and yah, is a shortened form of Yahweh (or Jehovah), which are names for God. So put together, it simply means “praise the Lord.” (1 & 2)

In modern-day Christianity, it’s often used as an expression of joy, gratitude, and praise—and that’s exactly how I’m using it in this gratitude list: as a way to acknowledge and celebrate the everyday blessings in life.

My earliest memory of hearing the word hallelujah goes back to church, when my sweet dad would be immersed in worship, singing and repeating it with his whole heart. It’s a memory that has stayed with me and one I will always cherish.

Here’s my “everything hallelujah” gratitude list below, and I hope some of it resonates with you and inspires you to write your own list. It’s an easy way to make a simple and positive life change.

Related post: 3 Ways Gratitude Improves Your Life

Everything Hallelujah: Gratitude List

A gratitude list is a powerful reminder of all the little (and big) things that truly matter and make life feel more special and worthwhile. I’m sharing my list in categories but you can create one however you like.

This specific one will be with a hallelujah at the end of each item which is a way to express my heartfelt thankfulness for everything on the list. 

Things Often Overlooked

1. Being outside on a beautiful day, hallelujah
2. Waking up in the morning, hallelujah
3. The air we breath, hallelujah
4. Water to drink, hallelujah
5. Having a home, hallelujah
6. Being able to walk, hallelujah
7. Food in the fridge, hallelujah
8. Having a washing machine and dryer, hallelujah
9. Means to eat three meals a day, hallelujah
10. A genuine smile, hallelujah
11. Reminiscing with loved ones, hallelujah
12. Warm blankets on a winters night, hallelujah
13. Getting my hair cut, hallelujah
14. Being able to attend church, hallelujah
15. Wearing cozy socks, hallelujah
16. The weather forecast, hallelujah
17. Having a bed, hallelujah
18. Clothes to wear, hallelujah
19. Having access to medical care, hallelujah
20. Getting compliments, hallelujah
21. Good school for the kids, hallelujah
22. Being able to read, hallelujah
23. Getting a massage, hallelujah
24. Powerful Bible verses, hallelujah
25. Going to the grocery store, hallelujah
26. Blood tests for my health, hallelujah
27. Freshly folded laundry, hallelujah
28. Having air conditioning, hallelujah
29. Good conversations, hallelujah
30. Someone who loves you, hallelujah
    Everything, hallelujah

People I’m Grateful For

1. My beautiful daughters, hallelujah
2. My amazing husband and best friend, hallelujah
3. The best mom and dad (I miss you both), hallelujah
4. Caring sister-in-laws, hallelujah
5. Supportive friends, hallelujah
6. Good neighbours, hallelujah
7. Amazing school teachers, hallelujah
8. Dedicated family doctors, hallelujah
9. Good co-workers, hallelujah
10. Supportive brothers, hallelujah
11. Kind nurses, hallelujah
12. Compassionate and wise Pastor’s, hallelujah
13. Long-time family dentists, hallelujah
14. Inspiring University professors, hallelujah
15. Good listeners, hallelujah
16. Mail couriers, hallelujah
17. Skilled therapists, hallelujah
18. Lovely nieces, hallelujah
19. Courageous Police officers, hallelujah
20. Loyal blogging friends, hallelujah
21. Good father-in-laws, hallelujah
22. Hard working cashiers, hallelujah
23. Sanitation workers, hallelujah
24. Nephews, hallelujah
25. Brother-in-laws, hallelujah
26. Close cousins, hallelujah
27. Home bakers, hallelujah
28. Social Workers, hallelujah
29. Good bosses, hallelujah
30. Kindness of strangers, hallelujah
    Everything, hallelujah

Little Things To Be Grateful For 

1. Beach days, hallelujah
2. Watching movies on a sick day, hallelujah
3. Family game nights, hallelujah
4. Soulful gospel music, hallelujah
5. A good hair day, hallelujah
6. Comfy blankets, hallelujah
7. Long hugs, hallelujah
8. Beautiful nature walks, hallelujah
9. Fresh sheets, hallelujah
10. Finding change in my pocket, hallelujah
11. Great sales, hallelujah
12. Cinnamon desserts, hallelujah
13. Car washes, hallelujah
14. Watermelon on a summer day, hallelujah
15. Popping bubble wrap, hallelujah
16. The weekend, hallelujah
17. Mini road trips, hallelujah
18. Nostalgic cartoons like the Smurfs, hallelujah
19. Skipping rocks, hallelujah
20. Pay days, hallelujah
21. The smell in a bakery, hallelujah
22. Good books, hallelujah
23. Walking barefoot in the sand, hallelujah
24. Warm chocolate chip cookies, hallelujah
25. Fresh strawberries, hallelujah
26. Relaxing tea time, hallelujah
27. A clean car, hallelujah
28. Classic Disney music, hallelujah
29. Anything chocolate, hallelujah
30. Sunshine on my face, hallelujah
    Everything, hallelujah

Nature Gratitude List

1. Autumn colours, hallelujah
2. Starry skies, hallelujah
3. Ocean waves, hallelujah
4. Sunny days, hallelujah
5. Birds chirping, hallelujah
6. Palm trees, hallelujah
7. Peaceful streams, hallelujah
8. Walks by the lake, hallelujah
9. Fresh cut grass, hallelujah
10. Evergreen trees, hallelujah
11. Colourful flowers, hallelujah
12. First snow fall, hallelujah
13. Beautiful butterflies, hallelujah
14. Smelling roses, hallelujah
15. Long hikes, hallelujah
16. Intricacy of snowflakes, hallelujah
17. Lily pads, hallelujah
18. Sound of rain drops, hallelujah
19. Botanical gardens, hallelujah
20. Falling leaves, hallelujah
21. Little ponds, hallelujah
22. Collecting sea shells, hallelujah
23. Forest hiking, hallelujah
24. Sunflowers, hallelujah
25. Majestic mountains, hallelujah
26. Cute ladybugs, hallelujah
27. Blue skies with no clouds, hallelujah
28. Cherry blossoms, hallelujah
29. Beautiful sunsets, hallelujah
30. All the sounds of nature, hallelujah
    Everything, hallelujah

Frivolous Fun Gratitude List

1. Laughing with friends, hallelujah
2. Summer festivals, hallelujah
3. Watching fireworks, hallelujah
4. Playing with your kids, hallelujah
5. Retro 80’s music and memorabilia, hallelujah
6. Watching cute panda videos, hallelujah
7. Waterparks in the heat, hallelujah
8. Inside jokes, hallelujah
9. Date nights with your partner, hallelujah
10. Solo dance parties, hallelujah
11. Great concerts, hallelujah
12. Saturdays, hallelujah
13. Eating birthday cake, hallelujah
14. Flying a kite, hallelujah
15. Eating dinner at a restaurant, hallelujah
16. Scenic train rides, hallelujah
17. Funny text messages, hallelujah
18. Babies laughing, hallelujah
19. Glow-in-the-dark mini golf, hallelujah
20. Playing badminton, hallelujah
21. Amusement parks in the summer, hallelujah
22. Hilarious memes, hallelujah
23. Playing frisbee, hallelujah
24. Visiting a farmers market, hallelujah
25. Belly ache laughs, hallelujah
26. Potlucks, hallelujah
27. Free events, hallelujah
28. Picnics at the park, hallelujah
29. Fun vending machines, hallelujah
30. Ice cream anytime, hallelujah
    Everything, hallelujah

A Grateful Everything Hallelujah Perspective Truly Changes Everything

It’s amazing how something that seems small—like being more intentional about gratitude—can make such a meaningful difference in your life.

Choosing an “everything hallelujah” perspective, no matter how simple it sounds, is actually a powerful mindset shift that can also help reduce anxiety. It gently moves you from focusing on what’s missing to noticing what’s already good, and that’s where real change begins.

So I’m inviting you to try writing your own gratitude list. Start small—maybe just three things—and let it grow from there. There’s no pressure to make it perfect; just begin.

The key for how to make a gratitude list is to make it a habit, not a one-time exercise. It’s less about writing a single list and more about slowly retraining your mind to notice the good, even on the hard days.

Related post: 125 Things That Make Me Happy & Can Brighten Your Day Too!

References:

1. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-word-hallelujah.html
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallelujah