Implementing a daily gratitude practice into our lives can help us to manifest positive emotions and focus on the reasons we’re lucky.
In today’s society, we are often too focused on what we wish our lives were like, leading to dissatisfaction with our own daily lives.
With large companies creating campaigns focused on making us feel insecure or our lives feel inadequate to sell their products, it can be hard to feel grateful for what we have right now.
However, daily gratitude practice can lead to greater life satisfaction and numerous mental health benefits by redirecting our focus from negative emotions and making us tune into the things we are so lucky to have.
So, maybe you’re just beginning your gratitude journey, or you need some more inspiration for your gratitude journal. Whatever your reason for coming here today, grab a pen and piece of paper; here are ten things to be grateful for today.
10. Nature – so much beauty and life
One of the most important things to be grateful for today is the natural world. We are so lucky to have this incredible resource at our disposal when we want to go out and enjoy a walk, run, swim, or anything else.
With climate change presenting such a big challenge to the world today, feeling a sense of gratitude for nature will spur us on to make moves to save the planet.
9. Your morning coffee – a great way to start the day
If a cup of coffee is part of your morning routine, then expressing gratitude for this simple treat is one of the best ways to start your day.
Being able to stop for a second, sip on your coffee, and reflect on all the things you’re thankful for in the current moment will have myriad psychological benefits as you continue throughout the rest of your day.
8. Your education – a remarkable resource
Whether you’re still in school or you’ve already graduated, education is a great addition to your daily gratitude diary.
School can be incredibly stressful, especially when exams are approaching. But think about it; how lucky are we to have access to all this knowledge and learning?
7. Food – one of the joys of life
If you’re lucky enough to have enjoyed a warm meal today, that is something to be endlessly grateful for. It doesn’t have to be a super fancy meal, just having warm, nutritious food that fuels our lives and fills our tummies is such a privilege.
6. The roof over your head – a huge privilege and something we take for granted
Instead of wishing you had a bigger, fancier, cleaner house, one of the things to be grateful for today is the roof over your head.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a safe and secure home where they can retreat to at the end of the day. So, remember to feel a sense of gratitude for the home that you have.
5. Your job – earning a wage, gaining experience, and more
Now, everyone gets annoyed at their job. Whether it’s feeling like you’re under too much pressure, feeling like you’re getting underpaid, or wishing you got to spend more time with your family.
However, there are many people out there struggling to find work. So, feeling a sense of gratitude for the fact we have a job can help us to feel more positive in work on a regular basis.
4. Hot showers – something we’re so lucky to have
Having access to hot showers on a daily basis is such a privilege that so many people in the world do not get to enjoy. Next time you’re in the shower, take a moment to reflect on how lucky you are to have this amazing resource at your disposal.
3. Your physical health – something we often neglect
For us, one of the most important things to be grateful for today is your physical health. Many of us feel so much shame about our bodies and how they look that we often don’t show them as much care as we should.
If you are lucky enough to have your physical health that allows you to do all the things you love in life, remember to feel a sense of gratitude for that.
2. Clean water – a necessity we should feel grateful for
Having access to clean water that we can drink and wash in is a huge privilege that many people around the world do not get to enjoy. Next time you pour yourself a glass of water, remember to feel grateful for having regular access to clean water.
1. Your friends and family – and all the quality time and happy moments you’ve got to share with them
If you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing people, whether that be friends, family, teachers, colleagues, or anybody else, this is one of the things you need to add to your gratitude list.
Connection is one of the most important things in our lives. And while we somethings get annoyed at those we love, we need to remember how lucky we are to have them.
Notable mentions
- Indoor plumbing: A relatively modern invention, having indoor plumbing is something many of us take for granted in our homes today.
- Pets: They bring so much joy to our lives!
- Healthcare: Having access to modern healthcare when we get sick is a massive privilege.
FAQs about things to be grateful for
How can I be grateful in hard times?
We all go through difficult times in life. If you want to escape the negative thinking, then start a gratitude diary and note down all the things that are helping you get through it!
What are ways to show gratitude?
Some great expressions of gratitude include doing something kind for those you feel grateful for, writing a letter of gratitude, or simply telling them how grateful you are.
How do you show yourself gratitude?
Allowing yourself to enjoy some me-time, rewarding yourself with little treats, or even just looking after your own mental and physical health are some great ways to show yourself gratitude.