Watching a young child play is a perfect example of how relatively “small” things can bring pleasure and excitement! Whether it’s blowing bubbles, having a pet lick your hand or drawing a picture; a child can easily radiate happiness. Of course they might cry when upset, but within minutes they are smiling and have already forgotten what happened.
In our rushed society, how often are you thankful for the little joys in life? Do you even realize when they occur? Furthermore, how long do you hold onto a grudge after a relatively silly argument?
It’s easy to be grateful when everything is going well. Yet, gratitude can be found in difficult situations or even in everyday occurrences. I challenge you to reflect on your own life and discover what you can be thankful for.
How can you find gratitude in even a simple task?
For example, think about your bedtime routine:
- Be thankful for the clean and warm running water as you shower.
- Be thankful for the soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush that you easily have at your disposal.
- Be thankful for your toilet and toilet paper (anyone who has ever travelled to a developing nation knows exactly what I’m talking about!)
- Be thankful for your electricity as you plug in your phone to charge overnight. While you’re at it, be thankful for the technology and convenience it provides which allows you to connect with others.
- Be thankful for your bed, sheets, blanket and pillows as you lie down in such comfort.
- Be thankful for the roof over your head and how fortunate you are to call a place home.
Begin and end each day by giving thanks for all of your great blessings. There are those that may prefer to journal their thoughts, but even taking a minute to reflect on your day puts you in a positive mindset. Embrace an attitude of gratitude!
“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” — Randy Pausch
