Gratitude for Beginners: 7 Simple Practices to Feel More Thankful Every Day!

I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty thankful person. After all, I’m blessed in many ways—good friends, a loving family, a job I’m passionate about, and, of course my daily cup of coffee. But if I’m being completely honest with you, there was a time when I didn’t really feel the depth of that gratitude on a regular basis. I’d say the words, sure, but I wasn’t feeling them. I’d rush through the motions of my day, checking off boxes without really pausing to savor the little blessings. It was like I was on autopilot.

It wasn’t until a bit of life’s chaos kicked me into gear that I realized just how much a little gratitude can change everything. The more I practiced it, the more I started to notice the beauty in my day-to-day life. I found that gratitude wasn’t just about saying “thank you” for the big moments; it was about cultivating a deep sense of appreciation for the ordinary, the small, the seemingly insignificant parts of life. And trust me, once you get the hang of it, the effects are pretty magical.

So, if you’re new to the whole gratitude thing or just looking for a way to bring a bit more of it into your daily routine, you’re in the right place. Here are seven simple, practical practices you can start today to help you feel more thankful every single day.

1. Start Your Day with a Gratitude Pause

If you’re anything like me, your mornings can feel like a blur. You roll out of bed, hit snooze a couple of times (or ten), rush through a cup of coffee, and then get straight into the hustle. But the trick to setting a grateful tone for your day starts the moment your feet hit the floor.

Instead of diving right into the day, take a moment—just 30 seconds—to pause. As you’re still lying in bed or standing there by the window, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and think of three things you’re thankful for. These don’t have to be big things like “I’m thankful for my house” or “I’m thankful for my job.” Start small: “I’m grateful for the soft sheets,” or “I’m thankful for the sunlight peeking through the curtains.” Feel the warmth of those thoughts and let them fill you with peace. This tiny act shifts your focus from the chaos of the day to the things that bring you comfort and joy.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Now, I know—journaling isn’t for everyone. But let me tell you, the act of putting pen to paper can truly change the way you experience gratitude. There’s something incredibly powerful about writing down your thoughts and reflecting on your day in a more intentional way.

If you’re just starting out with gratitude journaling, keep it simple. Each evening, before bed, write down three things you’re grateful for that day. They don’t have to be monumental. They can be as simple as “the smell of fresh bread at the bakery” or “a nice conversation with a friend.”

And if you need a little extra inspiration, I’ve got something that might help: my Mindful Gratitude course. It’s a 30-day guided journey that takes you through a deep dive into the practice of gratitude. If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing that extra push to get started, this course provides that structure and accountability, helping you stay connected to the things you’re thankful for in a meaningful way.

But even if you’re just jotting down a few lines in a regular notebook, the key is to be consistent. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns, things you might have missed before—little moments that make your heart smile. The more you journal, the easier it becomes to see the good in your life.

3. Practice Gratitude in the Hard Moments

Let’s be real for a second: not every day is sunshine and rainbows. Some days are downright tough. Whether you’re facing a work deadline, going through a personal struggle, or just feeling down in the dumps, it can be hard to muster any sort of appreciation in those moments.

But that’s exactly why practicing gratitude during hard times is so powerful.

Here’s a personal story for you: A while back, I was going through a particularly tough period. I was stressed out, overwhelmed, and honestly, I felt like I was failing at everything. In the midst of all this, I decided to try something different. Instead of spiraling into negativity, I made a list of things I was grateful for—things, people, or even simple moments that were good, despite the chaos around me.

I didn’t have to go overboard. I started small, like “I’m thankful for the rain because it means my plants will grow,” or “I’m thankful for my coffee this morning.” In the middle of the storm, those small rays of gratitude helped me find a sense of peace. I realized that even in my toughest moments, there was still good in my life—waiting for me to notice it.

So, when life gets heavy, don’t forget to look for the tiny joys around you. There’s always something to be thankful for, even if it’s as simple as a warm hug from a friend or the feeling of soft sheets at the end of a long day.

4. Shift Your Focus with a Gratitude Walk

We all know that walking is good for the body, but did you know it can be great for your gratitude practice too? A gratitude walk is a simple but powerful way to tune in to your surroundings and reflect on the blessings in your life.

Take a walk around your neighborhood or through a nearby park. As you walk, pay close attention to everything around you. Notice the sounds, the colors, the smells. Let yourself truly see the beauty in nature. With each step, think about something you’re grateful for. It could be the trees, the fresh air, the fact that you have legs that can carry you.

This practice is about shifting your perspective—moving from a state of busyness or stress to one of calm awareness. It’s like giving your mind a gentle reset. Plus, walking helps release those feel-good endorphins, which always makes gratitude feel a little easier.

5. Express Gratitude to Others

Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to thank the people who make a difference to us. Yet, expressing gratitude to others is one of the quickest ways to create more of it in your life.

Take a moment to send a text, write an email, or even pick up the phone to tell someone how much they mean to you. It could be a friend who’s always there for you or a colleague who’s been supportive. Don’t overthink it—just speak from the heart.

You’ll be surprised at how much this practice boosts your own sense of gratitude. Plus, making others feel appreciated builds stronger relationships, and that’s always a win.

6. Focus on What You Have, Not What You Don’t

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of more. We’re constantly bombarded with ads, social media posts, and messages that tell us we need more stuff, more achievements, more everything.

But true gratitude comes when we take a step back and focus on what we already have.

I remember a time when I spent so much mental energy on the things I didn’t have. I felt like I was always waiting for the next big thing to happen—whether it was a promotion, a vacation, or a new piece of furniture. But when I started to shift my focus and really look at all the blessings I already had, my perspective completely changed. My relationships, my health, my home, my job—all of these were gifts in their own right. By appreciating them fully, I found contentment and peace, instead of always striving for something else.

So, today, try this simple exercise: Look around your home or your life and take stock of all the things you already have. Write them down. I promise you’ll be surprised at how rich your life already is.

7. Use Visual Reminders of Gratitude

Sometimes, we need a little nudge to remember to be grateful. This is where visual reminders come in.

I’m a big fan of keeping little tokens of gratitude around my home—things that make me smile or remind me to stay thankful. It could be a framed quote that says “Grateful Heart,” a sticky note on the fridge, or a photo of a moment that fills me with joy.

You can even use something like my Mindful Gratitude - 30 Day Digital Course to guide your reflections. Whether you’re jotting down your thoughts daily on the PDF printable accompanying Workbook or just following along with the daily videos. It’s a beautiful tool that invites more gratitude into your life every day.

Gratitude isn’t a one-time thing.

It’s a practice—something you nurture, build, and cultivate every day. It’s about making space for joy and appreciation, even in the small moments. And trust me, the more you practice, the more it becomes second nature.

If you start today with just one of these practices, you’ll begin to see your mindset shift. You’ll notice the good, feel more connected, and, above all, experience the magic of a grateful heart.

Now, don’t forget—life is precious, and so are you. So, go ahead, give yourself the gift of gratitude, and watch how it transforms your days.