Discover how keeping a daily gratitude journal has transformed my mindset and could help shift your mindset too.
Why I Started My Gratitude Practice
At my best, I journal every day to let my thoughts, ideas, and feelings enter the ether. As part of my daily gratitude practice, I list ten things I’m grateful for. Some days, the list flows effortlessly, and other days, finding even ten things requires significant effort. Today, I’m sharing my gratitude list to inspire others (and myself!) to focus on what we have, not what we lack.
My Gratitude List: 10 Things I’m Thankful For Today
1. Supportive Friendships
Everyday, I find myself in awe of the truly remarkable people I am lucky to be surrounded by. My friends exemplify hard work, groundedness, resilience, intelligence, confidence, and humor. Each interaction leaves me feeling seen and loved—a blessing not everyone experiences with their close relationships.
2. Family
For better or worse, my family has taught me the meaning of sacrifice and unconditional love. Without their support, I wouldn’t possess the work ethic, strength, resilience, or achievements I’ve accomplished. They remain my life’s greatest blessing.
3. Breathtaking Sunsets
As summer approaches with longer days and warmer temperatures, the sunsets become increasingly spectacular. The vibrant reds, oranges, pinks, and yellows painting the sky as the sun disappears behind the Catskills over the Hudson River create a uniquely beautiful moment each evening I witness them.
4. Simple Pleasures: Ice Cream
This week, during a Central Park walk, I treated myself to vanilla soft serve at the boathouse cafe. That simple cup of ice cream significantly enhanced both my walk and my day. Summer brings abundant ice cream opportunities, and I eagerly anticipate exploring various flavors.
5. The Hudson Valley
I love where I come from. I love the way the grass sways in the breeze on the banks of the river in August. I love the smell of fresh air when I emerge from the commuter train. I love the way the river ebbs and flows through the tides and meanders lazily downstream. I love walking around my neighborhood at dusk. I love the Italian restaurant next to the walking bridge where I can order my favorite pasta and eat on the terrace. I love exploring different river towns. I love driving up and down Route 9 and staring out at the greenery. I love my home.
6. Transformative Travel Experiences
Exploring new destinations reveals insights about myself and the world. I’m grateful for the health and ability to travel adventurously—climbing mesas, off-roading in my SUV, rock scrambling on trails, and pushing beyond comfort zones. My recent New Mexico and Colorado journey has me excited for future adventures.
7. The Joy of Reading Books
Recent free time has reconnected me with one of my first true loves- reading. I’ve revisited Didion’s work (highly recommended), returned to Steinbeck, and rediscovered The Great Gatsby. Each book, even those previously read, offers fresh perspectives and insights about life.
8. Culinary Delights in NYC
Access to good food represents a luxury I often take for granted. Living in New York City affords me the privilege of exploring new restaurants or trying different dishes at my favorite places. Though I’ve been dining out more than I should lately, it brings tremendous joy. My favorite food item right now is the caprese sandwich at Mottley Kitchen in the South Bronx. I’ve talked about it enough that everyone in my office has tried it as well, and they’ve assured me, it holds up to my hype.
9. Meaningful Stranger Connections
Making others smile brings me genuine happiness. Whether complimenting someone’s outfit or engaging when interaction seems welcome, these moments matter. Recently in Central Park, another woman and I discovered we both had Baggu picnic blankets, exchanged compliments, and shared a delightful moment comparing them. These brief connections with strangers reassure me that goodness persists in our world.
10. Physical Wellness Through Exercise
I’m currently training for my first marathon—something I never imagined undertaking but now find surprisingly enjoyable. Exercising more consistently than ever before, I’m witnessing my body transform and strength increase. I feel fortunate to possess both the health for this challenge and the privilege of training time.
Cultivating Your Own Gratitude Practice
This weekly gratitude list, though varied, captures the habits and mindsets I currently appreciate. What are you grateful for this week? Have you discovered other mindful practices that help maintain focus on life’s positives while actively seeking improvement opportunities?
Share your gratitude journey in the comments below or start your own daily gratitude journal to experience the mental health benefits of practicing thankfulness.
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