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things to be grateful

Top 75 Things to Be Grateful For Now

Mar 18, 2025

By Will Moore

Have you ever noticed how a warm cup of coffee on a quiet morning or the sound of birds chirping outside your window can suddenly make your whole day feel brighter? These smallest moments often slip by unnoticed, yet they hold the key to transforming our daily experience.

I discovered this truth during one of my lowest points. Stuck in a rut and overwhelmed by life's challenges, I found myself scrolling through my old journals one evening. As I read through pages of complaints and frustrations, a pattern emerged – I had been taking so many precious things for granted.

That realization led me to a fascinating discovery: research from Harvard's positive psychology department shows that people who practice gratitude experience 25% higher levels of happiness, better mental well-being, and stronger emotional connections with others. Even more surprising? It only takes 21 days of consistent gratitude practice to rewire your brain for positivity.

Think about that – just three weeks of appreciating things like your morning bubble bath, those deep conversations with friends, or the simple pleasure of fuzzy socks on a cold day can literally reshape your brain's neural pathways.

But here's the challenge: In our fast-paced world of instant notifications and endless to-do lists, how do we remember to pause and notice these gifts? How do we transform gratitude from a nice idea into a daily habit that sticks? Continue reading to find out!

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover:

  • 75 carefully curated things to be grateful for every day, organized into life-changing categories

  • A proven system to make appreciation as natural as breathing

  • Real-world examples of how others have transformed their lives through gratitude

The Simple Power of Being Grateful

Before diving into our list, here's something amazing: being thankful literally rewires your brain. Practicing gratitude for just a few minutes daily can transform your entire life experience. It's like having a mental superpower that quietly upgrades every part of your life.

When you practice gratitude, your brain actually changes. People who regularly notice things to be thankful for experience more happiness, better mental well-being, and naturally build stronger emotional connections.

Your body changes too. From better sleep to a stronger immune system, gratitude works like a natural health booster. Even your resilient skin glows more when you're in a grateful state, thanks to reduced stress hormones.

Learn More: Keystone Habits: Improve Your Life with Simple Changes

How Being Grateful Spreads Through Your Life

Picture throwing a pebble into a peaceful lake. The ripples spread out, touching everything. That's how gratitude works. It starts small – maybe noticing the comfort of fuzzy socks or enjoying deep conversations with friends – but grows into something bigger.

Your relationships deepen through genuine bonding and companionship. Work becomes more fulfilling as you connect with mentors and appreciate growth opportunities. Even life's challenges transform, as gratitude helps you practice forgiveness and learn from mistakes instead of being stuck in fear.

Read more: Fun Gratitude Activities for Adults

75 Simple Things to Be Grateful For Now

Here's a curated list to inspire you to pause, reflect, and embrace thankfulness for the everyday wonders around you.

Daily Life and Little Things

 Gratitude isn't just about the big moments; it's about appreciating the little things that make life special. From a kind smile to a peaceful morning walk, there are countless things to be grateful for everyday if we just take a moment to notice them. Recognizing them helps us ground ourselves in the present moment and fosters a sense of contentment.

  1. Fuzzy socks for cold mornings

  2. A warm bubble bath to unwind after a long day

  3. Seasonal candles that make your space feel cozy and inviting

  4. Warm lamps casting a soft, calming glow

  5. Essential oils for their soothing and aromatic benefits

  6. Home-cooked meals made with love and care

  7. Deep conversations that strengthen relationships

  8. Board game nights filled with laughter and fun

  9. Old journals that capture cherished memories

  10. Motivational quotes that inspire positivity and action

  11. Gratitude journals for keeping track of what you’re thankful for

  12. Three-day weekends that offer extra time to relax and recharge

  13. A hot cup of tea on a rainy afternoon

  14. Freshly brewed coffee that kickstarts your mornings

  15. The joy of finding something you thought was lost

Health and Well-being

Good health is a priceless gift that allows us to experience life in its fullest form. From physical strength to emotional balance, there are countless ways our bodies and minds serve us each day. Gratitude for our health can remind us to nurture and care for ourselves.

  1. Your immune system for protecting you from illness

  2. Resilient skin that heals and adapts to the environment

  3. The ability to walk, run, and move freely

  4. Sense of sight to take in the beauty of the world

  5. Sense of hearing to enjoy music, conversations, and laughter

  6. Gratitude practices that foster a growth mindset

  7. Positive psychology principles that help improve mental well-being

  8. Sense of taste for savoring delicious meals

  9. Sense of smell to enjoy comforting scents like lavender fields

  10. Sense of touch for warmth, hugs, and connection

  11. Emotional balance that helps you navigate challenges

  12. Deep breathing to ground yourself during stressful moments

  13. Access to healthcare when needed

  14. Healing from past emotional wounds

  15. A good night’s sleep for energy and renewal

Learn More: How to Live Life to the Fullest: 10 Practical Tips for Joyful Living

Modern Conveniences and Technology

Technology and modern conveniences have revolutionized our daily lives, providing tools that make tasks easier, connect us with loved ones, and offer endless entertainment. These advancements remind us how far we’ve come and how much we benefit from innovation.

  1. Mobile phones for instant communication and staying connected

  2. Smart home devices that bring convenience and comfort

  3. The trusty refrigerator for keeping food fresh

  4. Instant pots and air fryers for quick and delicious meals

  5. Fitness trackers that help us stay active and healthy

  6. Television for relaxation and entertainment

  7. Video game consoles for endless hours of fun

  8. Washer and dryer making laundry a breeze

  9. Microwaves for heating up meals in seconds

  10. Security systems that provide peace of mind and safety

Nature and Environment

The natural world is a source of peace, beauty, and inspiration. From the gentle rustle of leaves to breathtaking landscapes, nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of life’s simple pleasures. While we often express gratitude for family, health, and success, there are many unique things to be thankful for that often go unnoticed, e.g., 

  1. The sunrise marking the start of a new day

  2. The moon and stars lighting up the night sky

  3. Changing leaves that signal the arrival of a new season

  4. Birds chirping in the early morning calm

  5. Ocean waves crashing rhythmically on the shore

  6. Snow falling softly during winter days

  7. Lavender fields for their beauty and calming scent

  8. Peaceful lakes that reflect the sky and surroundings

  9. Majestic mountains that inspire awe

  10. Mother Nature’s wonders that nurture and sustain us

Personal Growth and Experiences

Beyond material comforts, there are deep things to be thankful for, such as emotional resilience, the ability to forgive, or the lessons learned from past struggles. Every challenge, triumph, and lesson is an opportunity to grow. Personal development isn’t just about accomplishments but also about appreciating the journey and the resilience you build along the way.

  1. Learning from mistakes and becoming wiser

  2. Overcoming fears and building inner strength

  3. Forgiveness, which brings peace to the soul

  4. Heartbreaks that teach us resilience and self-worth

  5. Past experiences that shaped who you are today

  6. Life’s challenges that made you stronger

  7. The nerves that come before stepping into the unknown

  8. Smallest moments that bring unexpected happiness

  9. Peace that comes from finding balance in a rut

Relationships and People

The people in our lives—whether family, friends, or even kind strangers—bring richness and meaning to our existence. Cherishing these connections helps us feel supported and valued.

  1. Family who offer unconditional love and support

  2. Friends who stand by your side in good times and bad

  3. Mentors who guide you toward success and growth

  4. Companions who share life’s journey with you

  5. Emotional connections that deepen your relationships

  6. Gratitude for kind strangers who brighten your day

  7. Social emotions that foster bonds with others

  8. Appreciation for the community you’re part of

Learn More: How to Build Emotionally Healthy Relationships

You: Your Unique Journey

Finally, take time to appreciate yourself. You’re a unique individual with talents, strengths, and a journey worth celebrating. Gratitude for yourself is the foundation for self-love and personal empowerment.

  1. Your ability to think, feel, and grow through challenges

  2. Laughing at life’s quirks and finding joy in the unexpected

  3. The courage to face fears and step outside your comfort zone

  4. Passion for your interests and hobbies that bring fulfillment

  5. Learning from life’s lessons and becoming better each day

  6. Finding peace within yourself and embracing your journey

  7. Your capacity to love and care for others deeply

  8. Knowing you have the power to leave the world a better place

How to Make Gratitude a Daily Habit

When you first start practicing gratitude, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The key isn't trying to be grateful for all 75 things at once. Instead, let's break it down into a simple, science-backed system that makes gratitude as natural as breathing.

Make It Obvious

  • Place your gratitude journal next to your coffee maker

  • Set a daily phone reminder for your gratitude moment

  • Create a dedicated "gratitude corner" in your home with inspiring photos

  • Keep a small notebook by your bedside table

  • Add visual cues like post-it notes on your mirror

Make It Easy

  • A great way to build a habit of gratitude is to reflect daily. Ask yourself, "What are 3 things I am grateful for today?" It could be something as simple as a delicious meal, a heartfelt conversation, or the sun shining after a storm.

  • Use voice notes if writing feels like too much

  • Take a photo of something you're grateful for

  • Choose a regular daily moment (morning coffee, bedtime)

  • Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 method: notice 5 sights, 4 sounds, 3 feelings, 2 smells, 1 taste

Make It Rewarding

  • Share one grateful moment daily with a friend

  • Create a weekly celebration of your top 3 gratitude moments

  • Track your streak with a Habit tracker

  • Notice how your mood lifts after each practice

  • Reward yourself monthly for consistent practice

Read our blog on Gratitude Exercises

A Real Success Story

Emily, a busy marketing manager, started small - just three things each evening while enjoying her bedtime tea. After a month, she noticed something fascinating: not only was she sleeping better, but she started spotting moments of joy she used to miss entirely. The sunset from her office window. The warmth of her morning coffee. Her child's laugh during breakfast.

"I used to rush through my days," she says. "Now I catch these tiny perfect moments everywhere. It's like I've put on glasses that help me see the good stuff that was always there."

The best part? It takes less than 3 minutes a day to transform how you see your entire world.

Turn Your Gratitude into Lasting Change

Introducing the Moore Momentum System - your complete solution for making gratitude and other life-changing habits stick. This revolutionary approach combines:

  • AI-powered personalization for your unique lifestyle

  • Science-backed habit formation strategies

  • Gamified tracking to make practice fun

  • Community support to keep you motivated

  • Continuous growth as you evolve

Start your journey today with our Quick-Start Gratitude Guide. In just 5 minutes, you'll have everything you need to begin transforming your life through the power of appreciation.

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Will Moore is a gamification, habits and happiness expert.

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Address: 1101 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201, United States

Phone: +1 847-495-2433