What are you grateful for today?

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

Did you pay attention to the bright sunshine today? Or the delicious cup of chai you had in the morning? Or the fact that you can read this blog right now? It’s easy to overlook these small things amidst the stresses and to-dos of our daily lives. However, neglecting these moments can lead to feeling less present and more worried about the future. It can also leave less time for our loved ones, making life feel mechanical, and have long-term effects on our mental and physical health.

Luckily, there is a simple practice that can help us appreciate the small things in life and cultivate a sense of gratitude: gratitude journaling. This popular practice involves reflecting on the things in our lives that we are thankful for, and it is a powerful way to shift our mindset towards positivity.

So what does gratitude journaling involve? Here are some steps to get started:

1. Get a journal — This can be a physical notebook, a digital app on your phone or tablet, or anything that you can use to document your thoughts.
2. Set aside time each day to write in your journal — Whether it’s first thing in the morning, before bed, or during your lunch break, choose a time that works for you to reflect on your day and what you’re grateful for. Personally, I find reflecting before bed to be most effective.