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?