How To Use Gratitude To Savor More Life Moments
“Enjoy the little things in life. For one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” – Kurt Vonnegut.
Why Gratitude?
Yet, like most women, I play a lot of different roles in my life. Oddly enough, few of those roles involve standing still. Even when I am in one place, my mind is usually jumping ahead.
Smelling the roses can be easier said than done.
So I came across gratitude as a helpful way to savor more of those little life moments that pass by so quickly. And in extension, work towards a happier life.
Over time, I’ve implemented two different gratitude practices that have been so beneficial for different reasons. I’m sharing my real-life application, and each takes less than 5 minutes.
Even the busiest of women can find the time.
The Gratitude Journal
I write down three things I’m thankful for every morning.
It can be anything. The beautiful weather outside. My hot cup of tea. My healthy children. It’s very simple.
The journal really gets me to appreciate things in my life that I wouldn’t normally think about.
I’m pretty consistent as it’s on my self-care routine and a part of my day now.
Additionally, it is wonderful to go back and look at the past gratitudes I have in the journal. Some days are hard and we lose perspective. The journal often makes me realize I have an extremely blessed life.
Related Post: 60 Uplifting Quotes to Be Grateful
The 3 Moments
Before I fall asleep, I think about three specific moments in my day that I am grateful for.
This one makes me feel amazing.
When I think about my 3 life moments, I can always picture the exact look on my daughter’s face when I made her laugh, the feel of my husband’s hug, or even the smile on my student’s face when she figured something out.
I can see it in my mind, and it brings me back to that moment.
As an added benefit, I spend my day subconsciously looking for the moments so I can remember them for the end of the day. Something small will happen and I’ll think “that’s one of my moments today.”
It gets me to actually stop and smell the roses because I’m searching all day long.
An Update
Since originally posting this article, I have bought and now use the 5 Minute Journal daily.
It was recommended to me and now I HIGHLY recommend it as well!
It has both gratitude practices built into the journal as well as a spot for me to write my goals! Plus areas to prioritize and reflect.
I love not having to find different journals or papers to do everything I love, and it only takes 5 minutes twice a day.
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HERE is the journal on Amazon! It’s worth it!
*For specific gratitude templates, check out the complete self-care planner here>>
Thank You
Before I go, I wanted to say I’m so grateful for you, my readers. This blog has let me explore an interest for writing that I’ve had for a long time.
So thank you for letting me share my words with you.
Something To Think About
Take my experiences and try one or both yourself. Enjoy your blessings today!
You will find yourself stopping to savor those special life moments just a little bit more.
Need help making it happen? Try the Weekly Self Care Checklist
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Love this and so true!! ❤️
Thanks Becca! I’m also excited to start reading your blog!!! I need fashion help big time! 🙂
Love it! I think a lot of times I’m too busy thinking about what is to come that I forget to enjoy the little (sometimes mundane) things. I know a lot of people say to put down the camera and be in the moment which I understand to an extent. However, I love to capture moments on camera. I’ve noticed that my pictures show those things that I am truly grateful for and don’t want to forget. I tried pencil and paper but to be honest I never am able to locate the darn notebook when I need it! In the summer the kids and I go back and look through our adventures and then create a scrapbook. At night when I can’t sleep (which happens often!) I find myself pulling out these books or scrolling through photos and it brings me a sense of peace and happiness.
That’s an awesome idea Kate! We also enjoy looking at our photo books. It’s another great way to remember those little moments!!! Thanks for sharing!
Such a good idea! I have always thought about keeping a journal every day to record the amazing/funny/loving things my kids do so I can remember it down the line. I am going to go buy a journal after I finish writing this. Amazon here I come. Haha Better late than never! My MOPS group has also started our family doing a thankful tree/wreath every November. We take turns with the kids every day of the month coming up with something we are thankful for and writing it down and adding it to the tree/wreath. Unfortunately, life seemed to take control and we didn’t finish it this last year but I am motivated to finish it now. Again, better late than never. I think it will be fun to look back at the different years in the future.
Also, Katie I love that you love to take pictures because I am the opposite and never seem to think to get my camera out. I am always so grateful for your pictures!
I love the thankful tree! We do it in November too! I like the idea of being able to keep it from year to year though! I really should be taking a picture of our tree at least!!! Thanks for the idea! And yes, better late than never could be my motto on a lot of things!
So love this! It really makes you focus on the moment you are in! Have done a gratitude list (sometimes) and it really does make you appreciate what you have and the people in your life much more. And believe me, those grandkid giggles and talks with you are definitely on my list too!!!!
Thanks for sharing mom! Keep the lists going! 🙂
I love this so much! I really got into keeping a gratitude log every day. For some reason or another, I fell off the bandwagon and this post made me realize it. It is amazing how much of an impact reflect on your daily blessings can have. Absolutely loving the blog, Jenn! Keep up the good work!
That’s awesome! Keep reflecting! I love that Amanda! If you find a cute journal please let me know! Mine is almost full and I’ve been on the lookout for a cute new one! I’m so glad you love the blog! I’m trying to improve it a little bit everyday!