Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good habit, it’s a life changer. Having a daily gratitude practice has been part of my life for years.
When you commit to a daily gratitude practice, something subtle but powerful begins to shift. You stop focusing on what’s missing and start noticing what’s already beautiful, meaningful and enough. It starts to create an abundant mindset.
It can be as simple as writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning or taking a quiet moment before bed to reflect. Over time, your mind begins to rewire itself. Stress feels lighter. Small joys become more vivid. Challenges become teachers instead of burdens.
Gratitude won’t erase your struggles but it will give you the strength to face them with perspective and grace.
It’s a reminder that, no matter where you are in life, there is always something, even the smallest thing, worth appreciating.
Start small. Stay consistent. Let gratitude shift your lens and your life will follow.
1. Morning Gratitude List
Each morning, write down 3–5 things you’re grateful for. They can be big (your health, your family, work related) or small (your morning coffee, the sound of birds, a good night’s sleep). The key is consistency.
Example: “I’m grateful for another day and for the people in my life.”
2. Evening Reflection
Before bed, take a few minutes to reflect on the day. Ask yourself: What went well today? What moments made me smile or feel at peace?
Example: “I’m grateful for the kind stranger at the café and the sunset I watched on my walk.”
3. Gratitude During Meditation
In your meditation practice, spend a few minutes focusing solely on the feeling of gratitude. Visualize the people, places, moments and experiences you’re thankful for and let that feeling expand. It’s one of my favorite ways to experience gratitude.
4. Gratitude Journal Prompts
Use prompts to go deeper once or twice a week:
- “A challenge I’m grateful for is…”
- “Someone who has positively impacted my life is…”
- “Something in my life I often take for granted but appreciate is…”
5. Gratitude Letters or Voice Notes
Write a letter or record a voice note to someone you appreciate. You don’t even have to send it. It is the act alone that deepens your feeling of gratitude. But if you do send it, even better. It might make their day too.
6. Visual Reminders
Place a sticky note on your mirror or phone that says: “What are you grateful for today?” This mini check-in can be surprisingly powerful, especially during tough moments.
7. Gratitude Walks
Go for a walk and mentally list everything you’re grateful for as you observe the world around you. Nature, movement and mindfulness all in one. I often catch myself listening all the things I am grateful for while driving my scooter around the island. (And yes, I am definitely being aware of the people and traffic around me)
