Mindful Gratitude: Being Present with What You Have
May 14, 2025
Are you using gratitude as part of your journey to living your Best Life? Helping with your mindset?
You may have noticed that some people seem happy no matter what life throws at them. They might not have the perfect job, house, or life, but they still radiate joy. Their secret? Gratitude.
Gratitude is more than just saying ‘thank you.’ It’s about truly appreciating what you have — big and small. Gratitude is free, and you can choose to feel it at any time – and it can completely shift your mindset, boost your happiness, and help you live your Best Life.
I know in the past when I’ve made a conscious decision to stop worrying about things I can’t change, and instead focus on gratitude for what I do have, it makes a tremendous different to my mindset, and I feel much better.
Why Gratitude Matters
Science backs it up — gratitude has real benefits! There are now a number of scientific studies supporting the premise that gratitude is good for your well-being. (Please see links at the end of this article.)
There are a number of ways it can improve your life, some of which are mentioned below.
- Increases happiness – When you focus on what’s good, you naturally feel better.
- Reduces stress and anxiety – Gratitude shifts your attention away from worries, and onto what’s working.
- Improves relationships – When you appreciate others, connections become stronger. A grateful, positive mindset also makes you a bit easier and more fun to be around.
- Better sleep – Grateful people tend to sleep better, and wake up feeling more refreshed. It’s so much better to think positive thoughts before sleep, rather than worrying about things that may or may not happen.
- Boosts health – Studies show gratitude can lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.
How Gratitude Helps You Live Your Best Life
Living your Best Life isn’t about being perfect, or having it all together. It’s about feeling fulfilled, joyful, and at peace with where you are, and where you’re heading. Gratitude helps you get there.
I know when I’m walking in nature, I sometimes feel like every single molecule of my body is filled with gratitude – for being alive, the world around me, and all that I am blessed with. I can get lost in awe and wonder at the beauty of a leaf or a flower, or delight in the magnificent songs of the birds around me.
When you’re grateful, you notice the good things in your life, even during hard times. You feel more content with what you have, instead of always chasing more. This helps you feel more balanced and grounded.
Gratitude also opens your heart. It helps you connect with others, enjoy simple moments, and feel more present in your everyday life. All of this adds up to a life that feels more meaningful, loving, and joyful — your Best Life.
How to Bring More Gratitude Into Your Life
The good news is, you don’t need to make big changes all at once. Small, daily habits (such as the ones mentioned below) can help you feel more grateful, and enjoy life more.
- Start a Gratitude Journal – Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big — just something that made you smile. Oprah Winfrey wrote a gratitude journal for a decade, and said it made a big difference in her mindset. Alternatively, you might like to join up with a friend/family member, and each day text three things you’re grateful, like I did for a number of months with one of my friends. It’s a quick way to focus your mind on the good in your life, helps you connect more often, and keep in touch with someone close to you.
- Express Gratitude to Others – Tell someone you appreciate them. A quick text, note, or kind word can go a long way – in making you feel good, them feel good, and strengthening your connection.
- Pause and Notice – Take a moment to appreciate the simple things — a warm cup of tea, a sunny day, or a kind gesture.
- Reframe Challenges – Even tough times have silver linings. Ask yourself, ‘What can I learn from this?’
- Use Gratitude Affirmations – Try saying, ‘I am grateful for all the good in my life,’ to start your day on a positive note. You could also try the affirmations below – either one a day, or all of them at morning or night – or just focus on one at a time.
A Simple Gratitude Challenge
Want to give it a try? For the next seven days, write down three things you’re grateful for each night before bed. By the end of the week, you’ll start to see just how much goodness is already in your life!
Walking into Wellness with Gratitude Guide
We have a more comprehensive Walking into Wellness Gratitude Guide, with practical information (including implementation tips), gratitude questions to reflect on, journaling prompts and pages, various goal setting options, gratitude affirmations to help you throughout the day, plus more.
Ready to Take Your Positive Mindset Further?
If you’re looking for more ways to shift your mindset, and bring more joy into your life, check out our Positive Mindset Mastery to Live Your Best Life bundle. It’s packed with tools to help you think positively, build confidence, and create a life you love.
Start your gratitude journey today — it’s one of the easiest (and most powerful) ways to change your life! š
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gratitude
- What is gratitude, really?
Gratitude means noticing and appreciating the good things in your life. It can be as simple as enjoying a warm drink, or saying thank you to someone who helped you. - Do I have to journal every day?
Nope! Even just a few times a week can make a big difference. Start with what feels easy, and build from there. - Can gratitude really change my life?
Yes! It can improve your mood, relationships, sleep, and even your health. It's a small habit with big results. - What if I don’t feel grateful right now?
That’s okay. Start small. Even if today was hard, look for one tiny thing that went okay. With practice, it gets easier. - How long does it take to feel the benefits?
Some people feel better after just a few days. For others, it might take a few weeks. The key is consistency. - Is gratitude just pretending to be happy?
Not at all. Gratitude doesn’t ignore tough times — it helps you find hope and strength during them. - How can I help my kids or partner be more grateful?
Lead by example! Talk about what you’re thankful for, and invite them to share too. Make it fun and light.
References/Further Reading
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude
https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude/
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/gratitude
https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-appreciation/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10393216/
https://www.oprah.com/spirit/oprahs-gratitude-journal-oprah-on-gratitude
Disclaimer
The content on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional with any questions you may have about your health, wellbeing, or personal situation. Your Best Life Academy shares ideas, practices, and tools that have helped others, but every person is different. Please use your own judgment and do what feels right for you.
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