3 Easy Tips on How to Find Things to Be Grateful For

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Last updated on March 24th, 2025 at 04:09 pm

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Be grateful for what you have”. Well, let’s dive into 3 ways gratitude benefits you and tips on how you can find things to be grateful for.

A study has shown that incorporating gratitude can increase happiness by at least 10% and reduce depression by at least 35%.

Gratitude is a powerful way of improving mental well-being, which can lead to a happier life.

So, if you have been looking for a simple way to help you get on the gratitude train, look no further.

So, what is gratitude?

Well, to put it simply, the dictionary defines gratitude as a feeling closely associated with thankfulness and appreciation. This makes gratitude so much more important because it teaches us to cherish all the good things we have in life.

Gratitude can play an integral part in our self-care journey.

How so?

Well, having a sense of gratitude brings about good feelings, which enhance mental health. This is a great consideration to make gratitude an integral part of your daily life.

Understanding gratitude and its role in finding things to be grateful for

Gratitude sounds great, but have you been feeling stuck with how this helps you to find things to be grateful for?

Gratitude is that essential foundation you need to help you get there. This is because this will teach you to focus on the positive aspects of your life.

It can do wonders for you like it did for me.

How gratitude helps you find things to be grateful for

Have you been feeling stuck about how gratitude might be just what you need? Here are 3 ways gratitude might be just the puzzle you need to help you get there.

1. Gratitude may help encourage focus on the goodness of God

This is because the feeling of thankfulness may encourage people to think about where they are presently in their lives. This is instead of constantly running after the future in your head and being stuck in the past.

Both of which none of us can do anything about. So once the lens has been focused on that, it becomes easier to focus on the present because that’s where all the good things can be seen in your life.

Therefore, gratitude may encourage you to look and dive deeper into those things.

This is what worked for me, this helped me to become more present and focus on the good things God has blessed me with, even though my reality may not be where I want it to be.

Furthermore, this is important because this type of thinking encourages focus, and since gratitude is good, it’s the perfect companion to help spot those good things.

2. Finding things to be grateful for brings comfort in moments of distress

Using this concept of gratitude is like a close friend you need.

Look, I know it’s hard to be grateful during challenges. It’s no secret that the negative curveball of life typically leads to us experiencing negative emotions such as sadness and loss.

Furthermore, this could create a domino effect to even deeper emotions of anger, confusion, and disappointment.

And if these elements continue to fester, this could dig a deeper hole of possible depression and anxiety, wreaking havoc on our mental well-being.

While we can’t run away from life’s arrows sometimes, the good news is that learning how to be thankful might just be the comfort we need, especially in those times. This can help us feel somewhat “put together” in the storm.

I know how it feels to have circumstances dictate your happiness because that sounds like a recipe for disaster.

However, finding things to be grateful for can be just what you need to bring calm during the chaos. So, you can picture gratitude as that rainbow at the storm’s end.

How?

Well, it’s because even during the storm, gratitude shows you that there is still something to be thankful for.

3. Finding things to be grateful for is good for your mind

It’s inevitable that with the challenges we face, our mental health is bound to take a serious knock from time to time.

However, a study has found that gratitude is can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. Additionally, participants were found to have fewer symptoms associated with depression.

The mental health benefits of gratitude can increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for bringing us feelings of happiness and relaxation.

This is a win-win scenario for sure. I hope this further amplifies the connection between mental health and gratitude and why it’s good for you.

With all these positive effects to bear in mind, some challenges may get in the way.

One of the most common is comparison.

What could hinder finding things to be grateful for?

Although we may begin to see the good that is in our lives, we are likely to run into challenges that become stumbling blocks that hinder us from embracing gratitude.

Comparison is one of those aspects that creep in so easily because it’s something I have experienced and probably you as well.

Think about it. How can you find things to be grateful for if all you do is compare yourself and your life to others?

To make matters worse, the presence of social media can add fuel to the fire. Being constantly exposed to people’s curated version of their so-called “perfect life” is the perfect tool to get rid of room for any gratitude.

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The Role of Social Media in Comparison

Furthermore, social media praises the idea of perfection. It is easy to look at where you are and compare yourself to someone else’s “highlight reel,” not knowing whether what we see is a true reflection or not.

Comparing ourselves to that is unrealistic for many of us. Because of that, one may feel the need to chase that unattainable life, and unfortunately, that’s like chasing the wind.

Doing those further fuels comparison and, therefore, makes no room for gratitude.

Additionally, you might want to unfollow social media accounts that push you to compare yourself.

Bearing that in mind, I’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to embracing gratitude while kicking comparison to the curb.

How to find things to be grateful for with these simple tips

Tip 1: Use a gratitude journal

Writing down the things you are grateful for is a great way to be constantly reminded of them.

Additionally, consider using a journal that fits the right look and feel for you so that it could represent something special for you.

Once you have found it, move on to the next step.

Tip 2: Create a gratitude list

Having a clear goal is essential in this step. Start by thinking about a specific period in your life for the past 3 months, 6 months, or year.

For example, did you face a health scare only to find out that you recovered quickly? How about the way your mom was there for you? Or maybe it’s that friend who became your cheerleader while you felt like a failure.

Take your time to analyze various areas in your life, be it your career, health, or your relationship that add positively to your life.

So, take time to think about the good that has happened and start creating those lists. Who knows?

Maybe while writing, you might find a smile popping up. See how much God has blessed you?

Tip 3: Stick to it

I know that our days aren’t the same, but hear me out: Gratitude is not only reserved for Thanksgiving but for every day.

Although some days can be more difficult than others, it’s important to try to implement gratitude as well.

Even if it’s for the tiny moments, such as being able to enjoy a cup of tea or receiving that hug from a friend just when you need it. By approaching thankfulness, it can end up becoming a daily habit.

Find joy in the moment of gratitude

The beauty is that this doesn’t have to feel like another tedious task. You might consider scheduling time just to dedicate to this.

Then, think about adding a sweet element to your gratitude habit.

For example, you can add a splash of color by using color pens or gel pens, add soothing music as you journal, or create a serene atmosphere with scented candles.

Remember that it’s not about perfection but consistency.

Conclusion

Gratitude truly makes us see the treasure that lies around us. I hope you are encouraged to show gratitude to God and your loved ones.

I know that lovely feeling I get from someone saying, “Thank you”. I’m sure you feel the same way, too, and now it’s time to appreciate gratitude. Furthermore, I hope you feel more encouraged to make gratitude a daily practice.

How has gratitude changed your perspective? What mind shifts have you encountered?  Share in the comments, and let’s inspire each other.

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Until next time, take care!