“Gratitude Beyond Thanksgiving: A Daily Practice for a Better You”

Gratitude. It’s one of those words my dad used to say a lot when I was growing up. “Always practice gratitude,” he’d remind me, almost like a mantra. But back then, I didn’t fully understand what he meant. Sure, I’d say “thank you” when someone handed me a glass of water or held the door open, but that’s just good manners, right? Gratitude felt like a nice idea—but not something I really practiced.

Fast forward to a few years ago, when I signed up for a 90-day challenge. The idea was simple: stick to daily habits that push you to grow. Somewhere in the middle of journaling, reflecting, and breaking bad patterns, I stumbled upon my dad’s words again—this time with a fresh perspective. Gratitude wasn’t just about saying thank you; it was a mindset, a way of being that could shift everything.

Now, gratitude is part of my everyday life. Before I go to bed each night, I list three things I’m grateful for—small or big, it doesn’t matter. Then, I add something I’m aiming for and express gratitude as if it’s already mine. It’s not magic, but let me tell you, it feels magical.

The Benefits of Gratitude

You don’t need to take my word for it; science backs it up. Practicing gratitude regularly can:

• Improve your mood and reduce stress.
• Strengthen relationships (when you’re grateful for people, they feel it).
• Help you focus on the positives, even on the hardest days.
• Increase your resilience, making it easier to bounce back from challenges.

Gratitude is like a lens—it doesn’t erase life’s struggles, but it helps you see the good that’s still there, waiting to be acknowledged.

How to Start Practicing Gratitude

If you’re new to this, don’t overthink it. Starting small is key. Here’s a morning routine to ease into gratitude:

1. Before You Get Out of Bed: Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and name three things you’re grateful for. They can be simple, like the warm bed you’re in, the sunlight streaming through the curtains, or the fresh coffee waiting for you.
2. Set an Intention: Think of one thing you’re looking forward to or aiming for today. Instead of saying, “I hope I get this,” try reframing it as “I’m grateful for the opportunity to achieve this.”
3. Write It Down: If you have an extra minute, jot it all down in a journal. Seeing your gratitude on paper can make it feel even more real.

Gratitude doesn’t need to stay tied to holidays like Thanksgiving. It’s a daily practice that invites you to slow down and appreciate what’s already in front of you.

I have my dad to thank for planting the seeds of gratitude all those years ago. Little did I know how deeply they would take root and grow.

What are you grateful for today? Try starting with just one thing. You might be surprised at how quickly it shifts your perspective.