Ever feel like life’s just a blur of to-do lists and worries, making it hard to see the good stuff? I’ve been there. For a long time, I was caught in a cycle of unhealthy habits – gaming too much, overeating, just feeling stuck and uninspired. It was a tough climb out, but one of the most powerful things that helped me, and continues to help me every single day, is actively looking for things to be thankful for.
It sounds almost too simple, doesn't it? But trust me, finding ways to grow gratitude can genuinely shift your perspective and bring a lot more peace and joy into your life. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff. It’s about making sure the good stuff gets noticed too.
Why Gratitude Matters So Much
When I was battling my old habits like binge eating and laziness, my focus was often on what I was missing or what I couldn’t do. It was a negative loop. Gratitude helped break that. It shifted my attention to what I did have, the progress I was making (even tiny steps), and the blessings already around me. Losing over 110 pounds wasn't just about diet and exercise; it was also about being thankful for a body that could heal and change, and for the strength I found each day, often through prayer.
Gratitude helps us see our lives, even the challenging parts, through a different lens. It connects us more deeply to others, to ourselves, and for me, much more deeply to God. It doesn't magically solve all problems, but it sure makes navigating them a lot easier.
15 Simple Ways to Grow Gratitude
So, how can you start bringing more gratitude into your own life? It doesn't need to be complicated. Here are some simple things that have really worked for me and might help you too:
- Keep a Thankfulness List: Each day, try to jot down 3-5 things you're thankful for. They don’t have to be huge. "A warm cup of coffee" or "a sunny morning" totally counts.
- Say "Thank You" More: And really mean it. Thank the person who held the door, thank your family for small kindnesses, thank God for His everyday blessings.
- Notice Everyday Wonders: Seriously, pause and look. A beautiful flower, the sound of rain, children laughing. These small moments are gifts.
- Talk to God About It: In your prayers, make it a point to thank God specifically for things. Not just asking, but thanking. This has been huge for me.
- Appreciate People Aloud: Tell someone you care about why you're thankful for them. A simple "I really appreciate it when you…" can make a big difference to them and you.
- Reflect on Overcome Challenges: Look back at tough times you’ve made it through. Be thankful for the strength you discovered and the lessons you learned. I often think back to breaking free from my old addictions and feel immense gratitude for the journey, however hard.
- Count Your Blessings Before Bed: Instead of replaying worries, try listing a few good things about your day. It’s a peaceful way to end the evening.
- Use Gentle Reminders: A favorite Bible verse on a sticky note, a small cross in your pocket, or a photo that makes you smile can be a gentle nudge to feel thankful.
- Try to Reframe Complaints: When you catch yourself complaining, try to find a "thankful" flip side. Stuck in traffic? "I'm thankful I have a car to be stuck in, and for the music I can listen to." It’s not always easy, but it’s a good practice.
- Be Grateful for Your Body: Not for how it looks, but for what it does. It carries you, it heals, it allows you to experience life. After losing a lot of weight, I'm so much more grateful for simple things like being able to walk easily or play with my kids without getting breathless.
- Savor Simple Pleasures: Really taste your food. Enjoy the warmth of a blanket. Listen to a favorite song without distraction. These little joys are all around us.
- Write a Thank-You Note: Old school, I know! But a handwritten note of thanks to someone can be incredibly powerful for both of you.
- Help Someone Else: Serving others or doing a kind deed often fills our own hearts with gratitude for what we have and can share.
- Remember Answered Prayers: Take time to recall specific times you prayed for something, and God provided or guided you. This builds faith and thankfulness.
- Pause Before Meals: Take a moment to give thanks for the food you're about to eat. It’s a simple, grounding habit.
Making Gratitude a Part of Your Life
Look, building any new habit takes time. Don’t feel pressured to do all of these things at once. Pick one or two that resonate with you and try them out for a week. See how it feels.
For me, integrating gratitude wasn't an overnight switch. It was part of a bigger change, like building a more productive routine with short bursts of focused work and celebrating those small wins. Some days it’s easier than others. Some days, especially when I’m struggling or feeling overwhelmed, I have to consciously work harder to find things to be thankful for. And that’s okay. It’s a practice, not a perfect performance.
As my faith has deepened, I've found that gratitude flows more naturally. Seeing God's hand in my life, even in the small details, and understanding His purpose for me has opened my heart to so much thankfulness. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m still learning every day.
So, what about you? What’s one small thing, just one, that you can pause and feel genuinely thankful for right now? Take a moment. It might just make your whole day a little brighter.
