The Everyday Thanksgiving: Incorporating Small Gratitude into Your Life
Thanksgiving is a time when we gather with family and friends, share delicious meals, and express our gratitude for things in our lives. Some of us have the tradition of going around the table and saying what we're thankful for. While this serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude, let's take a moment to be curious about something.
Why do we limit this ritual to just one day a year?
Gratitude is a wonderful practice that can be incorporated into our daily lives, helping us find joy and contentment in even the smallest moments. Let's explore the idea of everyday gratitude and how to make it a part of your life.
Big vs. Small Gratitude
Often when we're sitting around the Thanksgiving table sharing what we're grateful for, we're sharing what's called "big gratitude." Big gratitudes are significant events or possessions that bring us joy and fulfillment, like purchasing a new home or car, making successful investments, a birth in the family, or vacations to faraway destinations. These big moments are undoubtedly worth celebrating, and they play a significant role in our lives.
Having a hard time finding
the small joys in life?
However, the true magic of gratitude lies in appreciating the small things. When we take the time to recognize these small moments, we're recognizing everyday things that bring us happiness and contentment. We can make a profound impact on our well-being by recognizing "small gratitudes," - small things as simple as saying hello to your pet after a long day of work, feeling the comfort of a loved one close by, or waking up in a comfy bed.
Everyday Gratitude
Here are a few ways you can incorporate small gratitude into your daily life:
Morning Reflection: Start your day by taking a moment to think about three things you're grateful for. They can be as small as the sun shining through your window, a warm shower, or the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
Start a Gratitude Journal: If it's more meaningful for you, keep a journal where you jot down one thing you're thankful for every day. The best thing about this is that over time, you'll have a collection of cherished memories to look back on, which can be particularly helpful during rough times.
Mindful Walks: When you're out for a walk, a run, or simply outside between errands or work, observe the beauty of nature, the smile of a passerby, or the chirping of birds. These are great opportunities to appreciate the small wonders around you.
Savor Your Meals: You can practice gratitude by doing something you do every day! Try to pick one meal where, instead of rushing through it, you take the time to savor the flavors and textures. Appreciate the effort that went into preparing the food and the nourishment that it's bringing to your body.
Share Gratitude: One of the best ways to practice small gratitude is by expressing your appreciation to others. No need for flowers either. A simple heartfelt "thank you" or a short "I appreciate you" text can make someone's day. You'd be amazed at how good it feels!
Digital Detox: If you're finding it hard to slow down and focus on the little things, try taking a break from your screen. Put away your phone during dinner or when spending quality time with loved ones, and focus on the small things that make you happy in the real world.
Finding the Gift of Gratitude: Therapy in Charlotte, NC
While Thanksgiving serves as our yearly reminder to reflect on what we're grateful for, it shouldn't be the only day we practice gratitude. By practicing gratitude daily, we can bring ourselves and others tremendous joy and positivity. Thankfulness doesn't have to be limited to the big, grand gestures either – cherish the small moments, the everyday things that make your life special. Take a moment each day to say "thank you" for the little things and watch how it transforms your life.
If it seems difficult to find the little gems in life, don’t be afraid to reach out. Sometimes we all need a little help finding what we can be grateful for and what brings us joy. I’d love to help you find what helps you thrive again.
Take care,
Cheryl D. Perry MA LCMHCA NCC
I would like to be clear that this blog post is not intended to substitute for professional counseling. If you are in need of support, please consider speaking to a professional counselor.
