One of the greatest and simplest ways to infuse more positivity into your life is to practice gratitude. Especially knowing just how much gratitude and a positive mindset can elevate your lifestyle. As well as how wonderful it feels to practice gratitude, as so many gratitude-giving ventures are quite fulfilling. And honestly, sometimes even the smallest acts of gratitude can substantially boost your mood. Especially as gratitude allows us to shift our focus onto the positive, even on the cruddiest of days. Gratitude allows us to see the good in the bad and the good in the good.
Really, I can’t say enough positive things about making gratitude a daily practice. We should all be striving to show gratitude to those around us, the universe, and even to ourselves. Especially with how many wonderful ways there are to show our gratitude for the wonderful things we have and the lives that we’re able to live. Sometimes, “thank you” comes in the form of even the smallest of actions that we can do. Other times, it may be a grand gesture of giving back. Then, sometimes it’s how we choose to live our lives, to show our gratitude in silence, without having to say a word.
How We Can Practice Gratitude In Our Daily Lives
When we take a moment to stop and think about it, we truly have so much to be grateful for. After all, nothing in life is truly guaranteed to us, and there is someone out there who would love to be in our position. Certainly, it’s okay for us to acknowledge our hardships. It’s also more than okay for us to want to level up our lives and manifest our dreams. But while we strive to build our best lives, let’s not overlook the blessings that are already right in front of us. As well as what remains when we’re in the midst of grief. Because while life can certainly be rough, we all know deep down that life is beautiful as well. So let’s be sure to take a moment to appreciate the beauty in our lives.
And remember, my lovely, gratitude is essential for manifestation, as it shifts our focus onto abundance, rather than focusing on what we feel that we’re lacking. So let’s shift our focus onto abundance and raise our vibrational state. Let’s show the universe that we’re open to receiving the opportunities and blessings that are coming our way. Let’s appreciate what we have in the moment, while also making room for blessings that are coming. Along with simply allowing ourselves to truly enjoy what we have and what our lives already are.
Because not only is there someone else out there who’d love to have what you have, but there’s also a past version of you who once wanted what you have now. And we certainly want to acknowledge our growth, our progress, and how far we’ve come.
1. Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude journaling is one of my personal favorite ways to practice gratitude daily. Especially when done as a part of my morning routine to start my day off on a positive note. Because not only does it immediately shift your focus onto positivity, but it also gives you a written record of what you’re grateful for. Which can certainly be wonderful to pull out and read when you need a reminder of just how beautiful your life truly is, and what lights you up. That said, it’s such a quick and simple practice, and you only have to write down a sentence or two about what you’re grateful for. Heck, sometimes all you need to write is a few words to state what you’re grateful for.
Personally, I love to do my daily gratitude practice in a dedicated gratitude or positivity journal, such as The Five-Minute Journal. But you can use any notebook you’d like, and even turn your journal entries into artful scrapbooking pieces. But honestly, you can even simply use your notes app to make a quick daily note of what you’re thankful for each morning. You truly don’t have to do anything elaborate or fancy. Especially as you want gratitude journaling to be an easy part of your day.
2. Put Together A Gratitude Jar or Gratitude Board
If you’re looking for a way to quite literally “fill your cup”, a gratitude jar can be a fun project to put together. And you can get quite creative with it, and make it fun as well. You certainly can keep it simple by writing down as many things that you’re grateful for on small slips of paper. Perhaps, paper of various colors to add a colorful pop. You can even print off a few small pictures of things in your life that bring you joy to add to the jar. Or even put together a collage in Canva of various pictures and quotes to print off and cut out to put into a pretty clear jar. Heck, you can even add some battery-powered fairy lights to bring extra light to what lights you up.
Alternatively, you can also make a gratitude board using the same concept and get just as creative with it. And keep it where you’ll be able to look at it whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
3. Say Gratitude-Giving Affirmations
Affirmations are a wonderful way to sprinkle some positivity into your day, anytime, anywhere. And they are such a powerful way to speak positivity into our lives and remind ourselves of what we have going for us. While also opening ourselves up for an overflow of abundance. Whilst also putting our gratitude into words, rather than overlooking the smallest delights we often forget are true blessings.
Personally, I love to affirm what I’m grateful for whenever I need a quick pick-me-up or I’m looking to count my own blessings. Whether it be out loud in a cozy moment in the evening, as I sip my herbal tea, or in a whisper to myself in a more chaotic moment. Or even to myself when life reminds me that I truly have it quite good. As well as when I want to thank the universe for what is well on its way to me.
4. Meditate On What You’re Grateful For
It goes without saying that life can be quite hectic, exciting, and busy at times. And honestly, we could all benefit from taking a moment to be still, mindful, and observant. Which is why I like to spend a little bit of time each morning and each evening in a quiet moment of meditative stillness. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily have to completely silence your mind to meditate, but rather, be more mindful of where you allow your mind to go. And I must say, when your brain doesn’t want to be quiet, especially when life is hectic, gratitude is a great place to shift your focus. Rather than on your to-do list, or on what may be stressing you out at the moment.
Sometimes, it’s wonderful to sit in stillness and acknowledge all the wonderful things that you have in your life, and silently thank the universe for all the blessings that have come your way. Whilst taking a moment to truly observe how wonderful your life is. Even in the most chaotic of moments.
5. Celebrate All Of Your Wins — Big and Small
Certainly, life has its lessons for us to learn from, and we should certainly allow ourselves to learn from our mistakes. But we also should not neglect to celebrate our wins, no matter how big or small they may seem. Especially as celebrating our wins allows us to fully embrace them with gratitude, rather than write them off. Whether it’s something as big as landing your dream job or moving into a new home, or as simple as finishing your workout or completing a 30-day growth challenge, allow yourself to celebrate it. Rather than forcing yourself to be humble about it, or write it off as “no big deal”.
Because, my lovely, you’ve done something amazing. Let yourself celebrate it, however you’d like. Heck, sometimes even getting through a tough day is well worth celebrating with a cup of tea and some fine chocolates.
6. Share What You’re Grateful For – Both In Person and Online
I’m not going to lie, I find it quite easy to complain about what doesn’t seem to be going right in my life. And certainly, there is nothing wrong with venting and confiding in others about what you’re going through. Especially as it can potentially help others feel a little less alone in their hardship. But with that said, I must say that it’s quite inspiring to listen to others speak of what lights them up. Whether it be something as simple as how much they enjoy their morning cup of coffee, or something as big as how much joy their pet brings into their life. Or whatever it may be.
It’s wonderful to watch others express gratitude, and it honestly makes it more inviting to speak to them or follow them on social media. After all, it’s much more appealing to spend time with a positive person over a professional complainer. While also giving me a direct reminder of what I have to be grateful for as well. So don’t be afraid to share what brings you joy with your friends, family, coworkers, and strangers. Don’t be afraid to unapologetically share what brings you joy on social media. Perhaps, you can even open up the floor for others to share what they’re grateful for, and start a wonderful conversation about joy and gratitude.
7. Romanticize Your Life — Even In The Smallest Moments
Life is too beautiful not to be enjoyed. Especially when you’re heart is overflowing with gratitude. So, allow yourself to slow down and truly savor the best of what your wonderful life has to offer. While also striving to make each moment a special occasion. Because honestly, life is a special occasion to be cherished in itself. So why not get dressed up and put a little extra effort into your hair and makeup to go to the grocery store? Or slowly sip a cup of your favorite herbal tea as you read a great book on a rainy afternoon. Or make movie night with your loved ones extra special with homemade snacks, fun lighting, and deeper conversations.
Seriously, allow yourself to indulge in the smallest of moments. Find ways to make the little things feel like special events, every single day. Make the most of every moment, and embrace the smallest things with the utmost gratitude.
8. Look For The Positive In The Negative
Gratitude is not about ignoring life’s hardships and brushing off our negative experiences. It’s okay to admit that life isn’t always wonderful and that life can be unfair. With that said, I often find that looking for the positive in every negative situation is what helps me to get through hardship or grief. Even when it’s the smallest glimmer of light within the darkness. Because while it may not take the pain away, that little bit of positivity opens the door for healing. As well as for personal growth, or even just inviting in some light when you need it the most. And honestly, there’s always something positive that can be found within the negative.
To give a personal example, I recently had to let go of my beloved dog, Tater, on October 28, 2025. Certainly, the grief of letting him go hurts, and it doesn’t feel fair that dogs can’t live as long as parrots. But I also knew that he was suffering quite a bit in those last few weeks. Even if we was still as energetic as a nearly 14-year-old Labrador could be. And honestly? I’m grateful that he’s no longer suffering from his diagnosis, and he’s at peace now. As much as I’d love for him to still be here to catch my “dropped” French fries. I also know that he was past his life expectancy, and I can’t complain that I got a few extra years with him.
9. Be Mindful Of Your Shopping and Spending Habits
Shopping can certainly be quite a fun and wonderful way to treat yourself from time to time. I am not about to imply that you don’t allow yourself to spend your hard-earned money on things that you really want. However, we should all be mindful that we’re not buying new things just to buy new things. Especially when we already have lovely things that we could be using and appreciating. Such as by using that beautiful tarot deck that you bought from that small business that you love. Rather than looking for the next deck for your collection. Or by wearing the beautiful dress that you already have in your closet with a different set of accessories, rather than getting another dress.
Seriously, allow yourself to appreciate what you already have. Rather than feel like you need more for the sake of having more. There are so many people who want what we all have already. And honestly, that money could sometimes be better spent on a fun experience. Or be saved for something greater than that trendy water bottle.
10. Be Kinder To Yourself and To Your Body
Honestly, can we all just stop being so darn rude to ourselves and speaking poorly of ourselves? We’re all only human, and we should all be giving ourselves the same grace that we’d give to others. Especially knowing that we all have so many amazing attributes to us, and things that others love about us. So let’s start acknowledging what we love about ourselves, without feeling the need to humble ourselves. Let’s affirm to ourselves in the mirror what we already love about ourselves. While also giving ourselves grace and gratitude for our growth.
And on that note, let’s also stop judging our bodies so harshly! Rather, let’s acknowledge what we love about our bodies and what we love about our appearance. While also acknowledging how incredible, resilient, and strong our bodies are beyond the vanity aspects. Let’s give thanks for our bodies for carrying us through life by looking after our wellness and taking good care of ourselves. Let’s take a moment to appreciate our health and the lives that we’re able to live. While also simply being kinder towards ourselves as we move through life, and giving ourselves a bit of gratitude and grace for how far we’ve come.
Giving Back and Showing Your Gratitude To Others
When we think about showing gratitude, the first thing we often think about is showing gratitude to others. Whether it be our closest friends and family for being a wonderful part of our lives, or someone who impacted our lives along the way. Or those who have been of great service to us, such as our delivery driver, the waitstaff at our favorite restaurant, or our stylist. Or anyone who’s brightened our world in some way. There are so many wonderful people whom we cross paths with that are worthy of our gratitude. And there are so many ways to pay it forward with our gratitude and spread our kindness around like confetti.
Even if we may not be able to directly show our gratitude to each stranger we’ve ever crossed paths with, we can still spread that gratitude forward by being kind to others. Let’s make it a part of our daily gratitude practice to give others something to be grateful for. Whether they’re someone we’re close with or a stranger. Both through grand gestures for our loved ones and small acts of kindness.
11. Give Thank You Cards and Write Appreciation Letters
Honestly, it feels like a lost art to give an actual thank-you card or to write a handwritten appreciation letter. But that’s what makes giving a thank-you card or sending a handwritten letter feel so special. And when someone does something truly wonderful for you, it’s such a lovely gesture to send them a nice thank-you card or write them a heartfelt thank-you letter. And personally, I love to keep a set of beautiful blank thank you cards in my stationery collection to send when someone does something kind for me. I love having the blank space to customize the message just for them. It’s such a small but thoughtful way to say “thank you” and put your gratitude into words.
12. Call or Text Someone To Thank Them or Show Them Your Gratitude
When you can’t show someone your gratitude in person, a heartfelt text message is a great way to show someone you’re gratitude. While also letting them know that you’re thinking about them, even when you’re apart from one another. Don’t be afraid to send someone a nice, long paragraph telling them how much they mean to you. Or to express your gratitude for something they’ve done for you. Heck, for someone you’re extra close with, a phone or FaceTime call would even be lovely. But I must say, it’s best to ask the other person if they’re up for it before calling. But maybe that’s just the text-preferring Millennial in me.
That said, a thoughtful voice message could make for a lovely happy medium between texting and calling.
13. Tell Your Loved Ones What They Mean To You
Honestly, we don’t tell those we love how much they mean to us nearly often enough. Nor do we hug our loved ones often enough. So let’s start telling those closest to us how much they mean to us at every chance we get. Whether through a text, voice message, phone call, or over FaceTime, or directly in person. Let them know how much you love them and appreciate having them in your life. Give them more hugs and gentle human touch (within the comfortable boundaries of both of you). Kind words cost nothing, but they’re deeply meaningful to those we care for. So don’t be afraid to speak up on how you feel about those closest to you.
14. Spend Quality Time With Those You Care For
Not only does spending genuine quality time with your partner, friends, and family allow you to show them how grateful you are to have them in your life, but it simultaneously gives you even more to be grateful for. Because it always feels wonderful to spend quality time with the people that you’re closest to. Especially when everyone allows themselves to live in the moment and enjoy each other’s company, rather than scrolling on their phones. Perhaps you could go out for coffee together and enjoy a deep and heartfelt conversation. Or you could enjoy a movie night while enjoying some of your favorite treats together.
Honestly, there are endless ways that you can choose to spend quality time with your loved ones. And connecting with those you care about is such a wonderful way to show your gratitude for them. Especially when you find a way to bond with them over mutual interests.
15. Say “Thank You” By Buying Someone Coffee or Lunch
One of the simplest ways to give back to someone who did something kind for you is to treat them to coffee or lunch. It’s such a small gesture to show your appreciation for someone, which can often brighten their day more than you may realize. If you know their go-to coffee order or what their favorite food is, it’s quite an easy gift that shows that you care for them. If you’re not quite sure what exactly they’re craving, you can always ask them what they’d like as you offer to get them a little treat. Or if you know what coffee shop or restaurant they like, you can get them a gift card so they can choose what they’d like when they get the craving.
Honestly, coming with them to the coffee shop or restaurant can make for a wonderful way to have quality time with them. But we all know that everyone can use a little pick-me-up in the middle of the week, too. Especially when you know their work life is a bit hectic. Your treat just might be what gets them through the rest of the day without flipping their desk.
16. Give Someone A Thoughtful and Heartfelt Gift
There is something about giving someone a well-thought-out gift as a show of love and gratitude that is absolutely wonderful. I’m talking, a gift truly lights up their world, and shows that person just how much you’ve been paying attention to them. Because while cash and gift cards do make great gifts, there’s nothing quite like a gift that feels a bit more thoughtful, personal, and heartfelt. Whether it be merch related to one of their interests, supplies for their favorite hobby, or that perfume they mentioned they really wanted, it’s amazing to see their face light up when they see their gift. It truly says, “I was thinking about you, and I wanted you to know that I’ve been paying attention”.
And if you’re genuinely not quite sure what to get someone, getting them a gift card to their favorite shop is still quite a thoughtful gift. As well as a gift card from a shop that they may not have heard of, but you’d personally recommend. Especially when it’s a gift card for a small business with unique products you know they’ll love.
17. Give Generous Tips If You’re Able To
I’m not going to lie, tipping culture is a bit out of control in the USA. I’d personally prefer for tips to completely feel like an optional way to express gratitude to the worker who’s providing you with a service. Rather than feeling obligated because most service workers don’t earn a fair wage. So oftentimes, what I like to do is tip above the usual 20% amount. Especially for the DoorDash driver who did my grocery shopping while I tidied my space. Or any other service worker who made my life just a little bit better in that moment.
That said, I fully understand that not everyone may be in the position to give large tips. Just give as much as you can, and remember to always be kind to service workers and verbally express your gratitude.
18. Donate or Volunteer Your Time
When your cup is overflowing, it can be wonderful to pour some of that abundance into the lives of others. Perhaps by donating some money to a charity that you deeply care about, and that aligns with your values. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a lot, and every little bit helps the causes that you support. Perhaps you could donate to a charity that rescues companion animals and helps them find better homes. Or to a charity that is looking to save wildlife and preserve the environment. Maybe you care deeply about contributing to the research for curing and treating certain illnesses. Or there’s another humanitarian cause that you care about.
And if you can’t donate money, you can always donate your time. Perhaps you could help entertain and keep seniors company in an assisted living community. Or volunteer to collect and distribute food and necessities to those in need. Certainly, there are opportunities to donate your time to causes you care about in your local community. Just please remember to set healthy boundaries with volunteer work, and not allow yourself to become burned out. This is about giving back from a state of abundance and gratitude, not draining yourself.
19. Write Positive Reviews For Products or Services You Love
Let’s be honest, we’re all quick to write a negative review when we receive a faulty product. Or when we have a horrible experience with a service. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with putting out that warning to others before they potentially waste their money. But with that said, we should be just as quick to write a positive review when we receive a great product, or when a service was above and beyond what we had expected. Especially when that product or service came from a small business. Because not only are positive reviews a great way to directly show your gratitude to the business, but it also boosts that business’s credibility.
And certainly, we want others to discover that business so that they can grow! So take a few minutes out of your day to sit down and write a thoughtful review. Shout out the company on social media, and encourage others to check them out. It’s such a small action, but your review makes a big difference for that small business.
20. Give Genuine Compliments
It’s hard not to notice the amazing attributes in others. Especially when something about them just seems to light up the room, and brighten your day. Whether it be their unique style, their kind heart, or a jaw-dropping talent that they have. Perhaps something about them has inspired you to chase your own dreams or take up a new hobby. Or you simply enjoy their presence. So, why not tell them that in the form of a genuine compliment? Compliments are a wonderful way to express your gratitude for the impact that someone else has on your life, even if it’s something small. And honestly, you never know just how much your compliment might boost their confidence.
Besides, when your cup is overflowing, you just can’t help but want to spread that joy and gratitude onto others.
Conclusion
Honestly, with how beautiful life can be, it just simply makes sense to practice gratitude daily. Especially with how good it feels to practice gratitude and give back to yourself, the universe, and others. Gratitude is such a mood-booster in itself. Especially when we acknowledge the smallest of blessings that we have in our lives. While also creating even more to be grateful for through our gratitude practice. Whether that be through manifestation, or the joyful memories we make in the process. So let’s shift our focus onto what lights up our world. Let’s all acknowledge the beauty in our lives and make gratitude a natural part of our daily lives.
What are some of your favorite ways to practice gratitude in your daily life? Is there anything that you’re particularly grateful for in this moment? Are there any special ways that you like to show your loved ones that you’re grateful for them? Or perhaps, include them in your gratitude practice, so they can feel the joys of practicing gratitude for themselves? I’d love to hear all about your gratitude practices!
Love this — such a practical and inspiring list. 🙏 Thank you for breaking down so many approachable ways to weave gratitude into daily life!
A thoughtful, helpful list. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for putting together a list of awesome tips on practicing gratitude in our lives. Super helpful.
I love this. The practical tips and actions are great.
Yes it is very important to be grateful and mindful. It seems so many people in the first world look for reasons to be miserable when they so shouldn’t be. I try to be grateful and aware. I admit I don’t always hit the mark but I do try.
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