Pause, Reflect, and Be Grateful
Finding Gratitude in the Everyday
This morning, as I drove into work, I was completely taken aback by the mountains. The way the light shimmered across them like a movie screen, the fluffy pink clouds hovering just above, and the small patches of snow still clinging to their peaks—it all stopped me in my tracks.
It made me realize how often I take for granted the incredible things around us. Sometimes it’s the landscapes, sometimes it’s the simple comforts like heat, a warm bed, or food in the fridge. But more often, it’s the people—the ones who care for us, show kindness even when we forget to show it back, and stand by us simply because we’re part of each other’s lives.
What Is Gratitude and Why Does It Matter
Gratitude is the practice of noticing and appreciating the good that already exists. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s present. Research shows that practicing gratitude improves mood, reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and even boosts physical health. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff; it’s about balancing our view of the world so that joy doesn’t get lost in the noise.
Why We Forget to Show Gratitude
Life moves fast. Between to-do lists, routines, and stress, it’s easy to overlook the moments that deserve recognition. We assume people know how much they mean to us. We rush past small beauties—a smile, a sunrise, a quiet moment of comfort—because our minds are already on what’s next. Gratitude requires pause, presence, and a bit of humility.
Gratitude Activities for Kids and Adults
For Kids:
Try creating a Gratitude Garden. Give children a blank sheet of paper and have them draw a field of flowers. In each flower, they can write or draw something they’re grateful for—friends, family, pets, pizza, laughter, anything. The more flowers they add, the more colorful and beautiful the garden becomes. It’s a gentle reminder that our lives bloom with goodness when we notice it.
For Adults:
A simple gratitude journal works wonders. At the end of each day, take a few quiet minutes to write down three things you’re thankful for, no matter how small. A warm cup of coffee, a kind text, a laugh you didn’t expect. I write in mine nightly and it helps me reflect, reset, and remind myself of the good that unfolded in the middle of an ordinary day.
Pause and Reflect
Today, take a moment to slow down and notice the little things. The person who holds the door. A stranger who says good morning. A friendly wave from across the street. Then think about the bigger things—the friends who support you, the parents or mentors who helped you get where you are, the people who believed in you when you doubted yourself. And finally, give yourself a moment of gratitude too. You’ve come a long way, learned so much, and you keep showing up. That deserves a deep breath, a small smile, and a quiet thank you to yourself.
Gratitude doesn’t need to be grand or poetic; it just needs to be honest. The more we practice it, the more we start to see beauty everywhere: in the light on the mountains, the kindness of a friend, or the comfort of coming home at the end of a long day.
