Small, Great Things

“Gratitude is the lever upon which we can pull ourselves out of a funk.”

Kate Cocker, Everyday Positivity Podcast

This quote is a mainstay phrase on a podcast that I have been listening to for about a year now. With short episodes, a positive attitude, and a continual search for gratitude, Kate Cocker has engrained the importance of positivity and gratitude in my mind.

Gratitude journaling has been transformative for me. I have a template that I try to fill out each day consisting of at least three things that I ams grateful for from that day. Even if my day has been sup-bar and my mood is down, I can find things to be grateful for.

For example, some days all that I write about are small things like:

  • The sound of the wind rushing past the windowpanes
  • The smell of freshly brewed coffee
  • The squeaky-clean feeling of thoroughly brushed teeth
  • The warmth of the blanket that my mother made for me
  • The sunlight
  • The healthy plants in my apartment 🙂
    • I am a bit of a green thumb. 🙂

Other days, I can find actions and experiences to be thankful for:

  • Consistently washing my face
  • Meeting with a friend for lunch
  • Reading a book
  • Dedicating time to working on an assignment
  • Writing a blog post
  • Calling family or friends
  • Journaling about the day
  • Sending funny GIFs back and forth with my friend
  • Playing with the dogs
  • Going on a walk with my grandmother

These may seem like inconsequential, everyday things, but they add up to a life – my life – and I want to be grateful for them. Everyday, there is something to notice and appreciate, and with a consistent gratitude practice, I have found myself much happier and healthier.

What small, yet great things do you have in your life? What makes you relax, smile, and find a sense of peace and calm? What gets you excited or energizes you?

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