Gratitude can do wonders for your mindset. It’s a small practice that can make a big difference in how we feel and how we see the world. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect moment” to start—gratitude can shift your focus right now, even in the middle of a busy or tough day. Let’s explore how this simple act can change your outlook on life.
Gratitude Helps You See the Good, Even in Busy Times
We all have days when life feels like a rush. Whether it’s a big project at work or school, or just a list of things to get done, being busy can make everything feel overwhelming. You might feel like you’re going through the motions without really noticing what’s happening around you. But when we slow down, even just for a minute, we start to notice things that make us feel good—things that we might overlook when we’re caught up in the hustle. Practising gratitude is a way to bring yourself back to the present.
I remember when I first started using a gratitude app. The app would remind me a few times a day to stop and write down things I was grateful for. At first, it felt forced, and some days I struggled to think of anything. But when I stuck with it, I started noticing all sorts of little things that made me feel better—like a good cup of coffee, a funny conversation with a friend, or even a moment of peace in a busy day. These tiny things might seem small, but they add up. It’s in these moments that we find joy and positivity.
So, when you’re busy, try to take a quick step back. Ask yourself, “What’s going well right now?” You might surprise yourself with what you notice. It could be something simple, like your favourite music playing in the background, or the fact that you have a safe place to rest at the end of the day. By practising gratitude, you shift your focus from the endless tasks to what’s good in your life right now.
Gratitude Helps You Stay Positive, Even When Life Feels Tough
It’s easy to be grateful when everything’s going well, but what about on those days when things aren’t so great? Those are the days when gratitude really matters. When we feel bad or overwhelmed, it’s tempting to focus only on the negatives. But practising gratitude, even on tough days, can help us shift our focus. I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t about ignoring how we feel. It’s about acknowledging those tough feelings and still being able to find something to be thankful for, even if it’s just something small.
I know there have been times when life felt hard, and I struggled to find anything positive. But I’ve learned that this is exactly when gratitude is most important. On days when it feels like nothing’s going right, I force myself to look for something to be grateful for—even if it’s something basic like the fact that I have food to eat or a roof over my head. Gratitude can also help you get through tough times by reminding you that you have the strength to keep going. In those moments, you’re not trying to push away your emotions or pretend everything is fine. You’re simply recognising that there are still things in your life that are worth appreciating, even if they seem small.
I used to feel guilty when I was thankful for the good things in my life because I knew others were struggling. But over time, I’ve realised that recognising my own blessings doesn’t take away from anyone else’s struggles. Being grateful helps me focus on what I have while understanding that others may have different challenges. Gratitude becomes a tool for strength and resilience, even when everything around you feels tough.
The Power of Being Present and Grateful for What You Have
Gratitude isn’t just about looking at the bigger picture. It’s also about appreciating the small, everyday moments that make life special. The simple act of being thankful for what you have right now—no matter how small—can really shift your mindset. Think about it this way: If you focus on what’s going wrong, you’re going to see more things that aren’t working. But if you focus on what’s going right, you’ll start to notice all the positives that were always there, waiting for you to pay attention.
For example, every morning when I wake up, I try to take a moment to appreciate things I often take for granted, like a warm bed, the sound of birds outside my window, or even just the quiet before the world gets noisy. These might seem like small things, but they are also things I can be thankful for. And when I appreciate these little things, I feel more connected to the present moment. Gratitude helps me focus on what’s good in my life, and that makes me feel better about my day ahead.
Gratitude also helps you shift your focus away from what you don’t have and instead recognise everything you do have. You might not always be in the perfect situation, but the more you practise looking for what’s good, the more you realise you’re already surrounded by blessings. And when you start noticing these positives, you’ll find that your mindset begins to shift. Even on the hardest days, there’s always something to be thankful for, and focusing on these things makes a huge difference.
Gratitude is a practice, and like any practice, it takes time and patience. It’s not about forcing yourself to feel happy all the time or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about taking moments throughout your day to notice what’s good, to appreciate what you have, and to recognise that even on tough days, there’s always something to be thankful for. It’s a way of looking at life with a new lens, where the small moments of joy and the bigger blessings all come into focus.
As I mentioned earlier, when I first used the app, it felt forced some days. But with time, it became easier. Gratitude isn’t always a “natural” feeling, but when you intentionally seek out the good things in your life, you’ll start to notice more and more of them. And that small shift can completely change how you see the world. It’s not about pretending to be positive all the time—it’s about acknowledging the good, embracing the full range of emotions, and showing yourself some kindness as you go.