Daily Gratitude Practice: The Little Things That Are The Big Things (Part 1)

When getting started with gratitude, it may be tempting to think that everyday we must find big things to be grateful for.

But this is not true at all.

Actually, sometimes you’ll find that the biggest positives come from the smallest things of all.

This is why I love to think that nothing is too tiny nor too big when it gets to counting our blessings everyday.

Today I’m going to illustrate the point I’m making here so you can start showing a greater appreciation for the little things because you understand how they contribute to your overall wellbeing. This is a tiny mini series and I’ll be covering more ideas of little things we can show appreciation for, as part of our daily gratitude practice, in the coming weeks and months.

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Today, I’ll cover 4 such little things. Once you understand how these 4 little things impact the body, therefore wellbeing, it’s easier to welcome them in, appreciate them and value them during your gratitude practice.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

1. Mother Nature

*photo by Aaron Burden as seen on unsplash.com*

Have you ever stopped all you’re doing to admire a beautiful sunrise or sunset? I know I have. It shifted my energy in a very positive manner.

Whether it is the humming of the birds, the beautiful pink horizon line at sunset time or the soothing sound of the rain or water stream on a November day, nature is full of wonders and magic to warm up our heart every single day if only we are willing to listen and see.

This magic can enter our lives through the online world too if we can’t access beautiful nature. This could be a beautiful and inspiring Youtube video about nature or nature photography we see on Pinterest. For instance, take a look at this video by Dave at Inspired by Nature.

Everything counts here.

2. The Tea Break

*photo by TeaCora Rooibos as seen on unsplash.com*

In the west, hot beverages have been an integral part of culture and tradition. Whether it is coffee, tea or else. In this modern era, our beloved coffee and tea continue to hold a dear spot in our heart.

Though this is all good, it’s equally important to remember that beyond the drinking and socializing, the tea break also serves a very good wellbeing function: it disrupts our thought pattern, accumulated stress and brings our chaotic mind back to balance, it provides the body an opportunity to move and the mind one to be in the present moment.

It’s therefore wise to remind ourselves of these when we take a coffee or tea break everyday. I suppose it gives the act of taking a tea break more meaning and makes it more intentional.

3. The Daily Walk

*photo by Emma Simpson as seen on unsplash.com*

Taking a walk everyday is another trivial thing that actually turns out not so trivial in the end.

Particularly if our lifestyle calls for it. If you work from home and are seated for hours or don’t exercise much generally speaking, a simple walk could give your body and legs the movement they need.

If walking isn’t something you love, you could make it more interesting. Maybe discover a new spot, street, area each week. Ask a friend to come along with you to make it more fun. Bring the dog along. Time yourself and change pace to see how fast you can walk. Make it a challenge and set a speed goal. If your walks take you places where you can photograph beautiful plants and nature, grab that mobile phone and snap a shot.

Be creative. The sky is the limit.

4. Home Chores

*photo by Vitaly Gariev as seed on unsplash.com*

For some of us, home chores aren’t something we love. We tend to procrastinate or complain about them. They take time. They’re not the most interesting or fun things to do. And yet, they’ve got to be done at the end of the day.

One way to start changing the reluctance in us is to remind ourselves of the positive impact chores have on our wellbeing. A shift in mindset in two words.

What can chores do for our wellbeing? Here again, like for taking a walk, they offer us an opportunity to move our legs, be in the present moment and they allow us to cut down on stress. For instance, if you got the laundry done, you won’t have a last minute panic about clothes running out. Moving to a different task and moving our body alone can disrupt stress or worry, particularly if you focus on the task at hand. Say you’re feeling particularly stressed on a winter day, why not skipping using the dishwasher and instead do your dishes by hand with warm water and appreciate the warm water on your skin.

I hope you enjoyed this post and found a little something helpful or inspiring.

Whereupon, I wish you happy thanks giving!

Alex