As part of my bedtime routine, I list down three things I’m grateful for. I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. On the hard days, going through my list reminds me that there’s a glimmer of hope worth holding onto.
It’s not always big stuff. Sometimes it’s the cup of cocoa I had in the morning or the peaceful bus ride. Other times, it’s just the fact that I made it through the day.
So, if you are searching for something to be grateful for, here’s a list to jog your memory.
Finding your wife’s dirty dishes on the counter for the hundredth time is a drag . . . but man, how wonderful that you have a wife. The commute to work kind of sucks . . . but how awesome that you have a job. Getting ready for a big trip is a hassle . . . but how exciting that you have somewhere interesting to go.
– Art of Manliness
1. Restful Sleep
It’s so easy to overlook a good night’s sleep because it feels normal when it’s there. But if you’ve ever gone through a cycle of sleepless nights, worrying and grieving, or even dragging yourself out of bed for work, then you know how life-changing good sleep is.
Being able to sleep uninterrupted and wake up fully rested is one of life’s simple pleasures we tend to overlook.
2. Health
Most of us don’t fully appreciate our health until it’s shaken. It’s a blessing to be able to move without pain and get through the day without medication.
Take care of your body as an act of gratitude. Stretch it and move regularly. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Walk, dance, rest. Be thankful for what your body lets you do every day.
3. A Roof Over Your Head
Having a roof over your head, however small, is a blessing. It means safety, shelter from harsh weather, and a place that is yours. Even if it’s rented. You can sleep in peace, eat your favorite food in comfort, laugh with loved ones, and even cry when overwhelmed.
It simply allows you to be. It may not be Pinterest-perfect, but your home holds you and lets you feel secure.
4. Food on the Table
Three meals a day can easily feel like a routine part of life. Having your folks or partner make you a home-cooked meal can feel normal, but it’s a quiet privilege too many people live without.
The next time you have a plate in front of you, take a second to be grateful. It should be a reminder that your needs are being met today, and that’s no small thing.
Also Read: 23 Basic Table Manners Everyone Must Know
5. Peace
You log in to the internet of late, and it’s countries fighting over things that don’t make sense to the rest of us. What’s worse is that the casualties are the citizens. Families are torn apart and innocent lives are lost.
If you go to bed knowing that tomorrow will be calm, that’s a gift. One that we should protect and be grateful for.
6. Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is peace inside you. It’s when your anxiety doesn’t loosen its grip and your thoughts are not running wild. When you are at peace, you can sleep without worry and make decisions without second-guessing.
Sometimes it takes letting go and trusting that things will work out.
7. Family and Friends
Your family and friends are the greatest treasure you can have. They show up when it matters and cheer for you when you succeed. They are also the ones you can turn to when life gets heavy. Not everyone has people like that. So, if you do, love them loudly.
Also Read: 10 Golden Rules of Friendship
8. Your Job
Work can be exhausting. So exhausting that on some days, you question why you even bother. But having a job means you have a way to support yourself and your loved ones. Not everyone gets that chance.
So, even on the hard days, it’s worth appreciating that you have a way to earn and provide.
9. Nature and Fresh Air
We spend so much time indoors, staring at our screens, that we forget how beautiful nature is. Close your laptop and step outside. Take a deep breath and notice the sky. Take a stroll around and enjoy the view.
Fresh air calms your mind and reminds you that life is bigger than your to-do list.
10. Education
Education is the greatest leveler. It opens doors and expands your world.
But in many parts of the world, it’s still not a guarantee. Every book you read and every lesson you learn is worth being thankful for.
11. Access to Information
We are at a time when almost all the answers are a few clicks away. You can learn a skill or check the news instantly. This kind of access wasn’t always possible, and in many parts of the world, it still isn’t.
Having access to the internet and other resources means you can stay informed and keep growing. It means you can seek knowledge whenever you want, and this is one gift that is easy to overlook.
12. A Quiet Moment
Life can get loud, and at times, all you need is a few minutes of pocket silence. You need time to yourself when no one is looking for you and there are no notifications buzzing.
A quiet moment could be your morning coffee before everyone wakes up or late at night to jot a few things in your journal.
These small breaks give your mind room to rest and your heart space to listen to itself.
13. Second Chances
We all have our flaws, you and I. And we are bound to make mistakes once in a while. At times, this means hurting the people we care about.
Second chances are proof that we are not defined by our worst moments. We can still grow and rewrite parts of our story.
Second chances are never an assurance; that’s why they are so precious when they appear.
14. Freedom to Be Yourself
When you have the freedom to be yourself, you can dress however you want and express yourself as you wish. You can love who you love and believe what you believe. That’s freedom right there, and unfortunately, it’s not given everywhere.
15. Free Speech
“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
–George Washington.
In some places, speaking your mind can cost you your safety or even your life. You cannot criticize the government or call out bad governance.
That’s why if you live somewhere your voice can be heard, it’s your responsibility to do so. The ability to speak your mind without fear is one of the most powerful freedoms a person can have.
16. Right to Vote
Your voice is loudest at the ballot. Voting is one of the most direct ways to influence the world around you. You get to choose who to represent you and how they will run things.
Throughout history, people have fought and died for that right. So, if you have it, don’t take it lightly. It is a privilege that many still wish for.
17. Another Day to Try Again
Not every day you win. Sometimes you get stuck and fall short. But as long as you wake up tomorrow, you can always fix what you can and take another shot at your goals.
Another day means more opportunities for a fresh start, and that is an underrated blessing.
Always Be Grateful
Tonight, before retiring to bed, think of three things you are grateful for. Jot them down in your gratitude journal. They don’t have to be big. And then do it again tomorrow. In a few months, you’ll look back and see there was always something worth holding onto.
The more you practice it, the more you realize that life has been generous all along.
