Skip to main content

Letter to a Loved One

A gratitude letter is a detailed expression of appreciation to someone who has positively impacted your life. Research on gratitude shows this to be one of the most powerful positive psychology interventions, with benefits lasting up to a month.

View prompt ->

Pointers to write a Gratitude Letter​

  1. Choose the Right Person

    • Select someone who has made a significant impact on your life
    • This could be a mentor, friend, family member, or even a stranger

  2. Write a Specific Message

    • Be specific about the ways they have helped you
    • Express your gratitude for their impact on your life
    • Describe the positive changes they inspired in you
    • Describe a time in which they were there for you

  3. Close with a Call to Action

    • Ask for their continued support
    • Offer to help them in any way you can
    • Express your hope for a continued relationship

Example​

Dear Professor Johnson,

I've been meaning to write this letter for some time now. As I reflect on the people who have shaped my life, you stand out as someone who truly changed my trajectory.

When I first took your Introduction to Psychology class five years ago, I was lost and uncertain about my future. Your passion for the subject was contagious, but what impacted me most was how you took the time to meet with me after I struggled on that first midterm exam. You didn't just help me understand the material—you helped me believe in myself.

The research opportunity you offered me the following semester opened doors I never imagined possible. Your mentorship taught me not just about experimental design, but about perseverance and intellectual curiosity. The recommendation letter you wrote helped me secure my current position, where I now get to help others the way you helped me.

I want you to know that your influence extends far beyond the classroom. The way you balance academic rigor with genuine care for your students has shaped how I approach my own work and relationships.

I would love to catch up over coffee sometime if your schedule permits. I'd be honored to share more about how your guidance continues to influence my life and to hear about your current research.

With deepest gratitude,
Alex

Sharing your Gratitude​

After writing your gratitude letter, share it! This amplifies the positive effects for both you and the recipient, creating a meaningful shared experience.