Gratitude: It's Not About Getting More, It’s About Seeing What You Already Have

Introduction to the Power of Gratitude

What if the secret to joy isn’t in getting more, but in appreciating what you already have?

As we approach the season of thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the power of gratitude. Gratitude isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practice that can transform how we see the world. It doesn’t just improve your mood; it rewires your brain to notice what’s good and abundant, instead of focusing on what’s lacking. It’s a tool that’s changed my mindset and can change yours too.

After years of practicing gratitude, I’ve learned that joy isn’t reserved for big milestones. Life is built on small moments, and the key to experiencing more joy is learning to notice and cherish them. Being grateful for these everyday moments can bring deeper, lasting fulfillment than anything else.

In this article, I’ll share how a daily gratitude practice has shaped my life and how it can shift your perspective too. Whether it’s through a gratitude journal, a quick reflection in your morning routine, or simply noticing the beauty in ordinary moments, the power of gratitude is always available to you.

If you’ve ever struggled to feel content or wondered how to cultivate joy more consistently, this is for you. Let’s dive in and uncover the joy that’s already waiting for you.

The Beauty in the Mundane

One of the biggest revelations in my journey with gratitude is how much joy can be found in the simplest, most routine moments. We often overlook these small pleasures—but if we only allow joy to come from grand moments, we miss the abundance of joy in the everyday. Practicing gratitude trains you to notice these smaller moments and see them for what they are: the building blocks of daily joy.

For me, every morning starts with the comforting warmth of my coffee cup in my hands. The rich aroma fills the air as I take my first sip, grounding me in the present moment. That warmth, the slight bitterness of the coffee, and the calm of my cozy couch make me pause and smile. It’s a small, quiet moment, but it’s also an anchor in my day. Gratitude for this simple ritual has become a cornerstone of my mornings, reminding me that joy doesn’t have to be complicated—it can live in the simplest of pleasures.

Then, there’s the afternoon walk I take almost daily. As I step outside, the crisp air greets me, and I hear the crunch of leaves underfoot. I marvel at the strength of my legs, carrying me through the neighborhood with ease. These walks connect me to the world around me, and gratitude deepens my appreciation for both my body and my environment.

At night, when I crawl into bed, I’m struck by how fortunate I am to have a warm, safe place to rest. The soft sheets, the quiet of my room, and the cocoon of comfort wrap me in peace. Gratitude for my bed has become a nightly ritual—it’s not just about sleep; it’s about the security and calm that come with having a place to call home.

How Appreciating the Mundane Can Transform Your Life

These small things—coffee, walks, my bed—might seem insignificant, but they form the essence of life. By choosing to romanticize them, I’ve discovered that joy doesn’t require grandeur. Life isn’t grand; it’s mundane. So why not make the mundane grand?

It’s easy to get caught up in chasing bigger and better—new experiences, new possessions, or new achievements. I want those things too, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate what I already have. When you take a step back and romanticize the mundane, you realize that the most fulfilling moments are already here. Gratitude isn’t about what’s in front of you—it’s about how you see it.

A Gratitude Challenge for You

What everyday moments in your life could bring you joy if you saw them differently? Maybe it’s your morning routine, your commute, or the simple pleasure of a shared meal.

Gratitude practice isn’t about waiting for grand moments to feel joy—it’s about recognizing that life’s beauty is hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to notice it. As Robert Breault beautifully said, "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." What little things can you start paying attention to? I promise you, the beauty is there if you pause to see it.

The Power of Perspective

When it comes to gratitude, it’s not about what we look at—it’s about what we choose to see. In any situation, we can choose to focus on the positive or fixate on the negative. Gratitude is about intentionally shifting our perspective to notice what’s good, even in the midst of challenges. It’s a simple shift, but it can completely reshape your experience of life.

Like anyone, I’ve faced my share of challenges—moments of frustration, loss, and unmet expectations. For a long time, I allowed myself to dwell on what wasn’t working. But when I began my gratitude journey, I consciously shifted my focus to what was going right. At first, it took effort, but over time, the practice rewired my mindset. What began as a deliberate practice slowly seeped into my everyday life, transforming the way I saw the world.

The Gratitude Lens

I like to think of gratitude as a lens. Imagine life as a beautiful landscape, but you’re viewing it through a fogged lens clouded by frustration or negativity. The details blur, and the beauty fades. But gratitude clears that lens, bringing vibrant colors and sharp details into focus. The world doesn’t change, but your experience of it does. Over time, this clearer lens becomes your default perspective, letting you see life’s beauty effortlessly.

For me, it was about intentionally choosing where to focus my energy. The more I chose to see the good—the moments of joy, no matter how small—the more those moments multiplied. Gratitude may not change your circumstances, but it transforms the way you navigate them, turning everyday struggles into opportunities to see the good.

Gratitude as a Practice

Gratitude wasn’t always second nature to me, but with intention and practice, it became a cornerstone of my daily life. What started as a simple mental note evolved into a transformative routine. At first, I’d take a moment in the morning or evening to acknowledge something I was thankful for. Eventually, I began keeping a gratitude journal, jotting down the small moments and blessings that filled my day. The more I practiced, the more natural it became—and the more my outlook on life shifted.

Practical Guide

If you’re ready to start your own gratitude practice, here are a few simple steps to build it into your life:

1. Reflect on a joyful moment before bed: As you wind down, think back on your day and find three things you're grateful for. It could be people, places, or objects that brought you comfort. I do this every night with my head on my pillow. This simple practice helps you end the day on a positive note, setting the tone for restful sleep.

2. Write down three things you’re grateful for daily: Whether you do this first thing in the morning or throughout the day, this exercise helps you focus on the good in your life. These could be specific moments from your day or general things you're thankful for.

3. Take a gratitude walk: While walking, focus on appreciating your surroundings—the beauty of nature, the kindness of others, or the strength of your body in motion. Pause to acknowledge the small blessings in your environment.

4. Use a Gratitude Journal: To make this practice even easier, I created a Gratitude Journal, inspired by the habits that changed my life. With guided prompts for morning and evening reflection, this journal helps you stay consistent and uncover joy in your everyday moments. It’s a tool I’ve relied on for over two years, and I hope it will serve you just as well. You can click here to view it. 

Long-Term Benefits of Gratitude

Adopting gratitude as a regular practice has transformed my mindset. It has increased my resilience in challenging times and strengthened my relationships by helping me recognize and appreciate the good in others. By focusing on what I have, rather than what I lack, I’ve built a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Gratitude has made the world feel brighter, and while it’s not the only tool in my well-being toolbox, it’s one of the most powerful. It reminds me that no matter the circumstances, I always have the ability to shift my perspective and find joy in the present moment.

What I’m Grateful For

Gratitude is about recognizing the small, meaningful things in life that bring us joy and comfort. For me, gratitude isn’t just a mindset—it’s a practice, and it’s rooted in the simple, everyday aspects of my life. Here’s a glimpse of the things I’m most grateful for, just so that you can understand, they are not grand, they are quite mundane, yet once I truly tuned into gratitude, I realized they're such tremendous blessings:

1. That I’m healthy. That my parents are healthy. That everyone I love is healthy.
• Good health is such a gift. It’s something we often take for granted until we face illness or discomfort. Every day, I’m thankful for the health I have and for the well-being of my loved ones. It’s the foundation of all the other blessings in my life.
2. That I have a good brain and a loving heart.
• The ability to think critically, be creative, and approach life with love and empathy is something I’m so thankful for. These two qualities allow me to connect with others and navigate life’s challenges with resilience.
3. That I truly love who I am, enjoy my company, and am my own best friend.
• Self-love is powerful. Learning to appreciate who I am has been one of the most transformative practices in my life. When we can be content with ourselves, it opens the door to deeper happiness and fulfillment. I have the best time with myself!
4. That I have shelter and a safe, cozy place to live.
• There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home to a place where you feel safe and comfortable. I’m grateful for the shelter that provides warmth and security, no matter what’s happening outside. I know this is a blessing many people don't have.
5. That I always have food when I’m hungry.
• Never having to worry about where my next meal will come from is something I’m grateful for every day. It’s a basic necessity that many people around the world struggle with, and I don’t take it for granted.
6. That I have a comfy bed to sleep in at night.
• Sleep is such an underrated blessing. Having a soft, cozy bed to rest in at night is a privilege I’m deeply thankful for. It’s a reminder of the comfort and stability I have in my life.
7. That I have a flexible lifestyle with no one telling me what to do and when to do it.
• Flexibility in how I spend my time has been incredibly empowering. I’m grateful for the freedom to create my schedule and prioritize the things that matter most to me. Yes, I intentionally shifted careers so that I can have this flexibility, but I am still grateful I made it happen for myself. 
8. That I’ve cleaned out my mind so it functions in such a smooth and happy, self-believing, self-loving, resilient way.
• Mental clarity is priceless. I’ve worked hard to create a mindset that supports my growth and happiness. I’m thankful for the peace and resilience I’ve cultivated within myself.

Each of these things plays a role in creating a life I cherish. These simple gratitudes serve as a reminder to stay grounded in the present and appreciate all that I have. By regularly reflecting on what I'm grateful for, I not only shift my focus to the positive, but I also cultivate an abundant mindset. Because I reflect on these blessings so often, I feel blessed even when I am challenged. 

Conclusion: The Power of Seeing More

Gratitude isn’t about having more; it’s about seeing more in what you already have. It’s the simple yet profound practice of shifting your focus to the beauty and blessings that already exist in your life. When we pause to reflect on these moments, we deepen our appreciation for life—and that appreciation transforms the way we experience the world.

I invite you to make gratitude an intentional part of your daily routine. Start small by noticing everyday moments that bring you joy and acknowledging them with gratitude. Over time, this practice will reshape how you see the world and enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

If you’re ready to start your gratitude journey, the same practice that changed my life is available as a printable on my website. Click here to view The Morning Gratitude & Evening Reflection Journals in my store.