Be grateful to those around you is my simple challenge to you if you’re still on the fence about starting a practice of gratitude for yourself.

Can you find just one random thing in your environment to be grateful for? This is a low-stakes activity that can be a great way to jumpstart your pursuit of gratitude.

Keep reading, and I’ll show you just what I mean.

What to Look For

It’s easy, really. There are things to be grateful for, even on the difficult days. In fact, it’s even more impactful when you discover little rays of light in the darkest times. You can look for anything within your daily routine that inspires you. If you don’t leave your home that day due to sadness or inability, perhaps the very roof over your head could be your source of gratitude. Even a beautiful flower out your window might be enough to influence your mood for the better. Find just one thing and focus on that.

What You Can Expect

Let’s be realistic. Taking a minute to notice one thing you’re grateful for in your day probably isn’t going to completely change your life. However, it could be a significant jumpstart toward moving you in the right direction. This is especially true when you’re going through a difficult period. Turning a long-standing low mood around even slightly by acknowledging one small good thing can be quite meaningful. Remember, our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors.

Future Payoffs

Sometimes all it takes is one small catalyst to spark major change. Some consider this the “baby steps” philosophy. Every habit or practice begins with one small step. Taking a moment to be grateful for just one thing in your environment today can improve your mood, even just a little bit. You may notice a weight is lifted from your chest or that some of your anxiety has eased. Hold onto that feeling. Notice whether your perspective improves after reflecting on gratitude just once today. This lift in your mood and brightened outlook can lead you to feeling better, which then influences your actions in a positive manner. You might just notice it’s a bit easier to find that one thing to be grateful for tomorrow.

Give it a try. Find one tiny spark to light the flame of gratitude today. Be intentional in noticing the effect it has on you. You may find it’s simpler and more rewarding than you realized to begin your gratitude practice. I do hope you’ll be grateful to those around you starting today. It can be from the peoples or the things in the environment.

Thank you for reading. I’d appreciate you sharing this with others, so they too can practice gratitude in their lives. I can assure you that being thankful to Almighty God (Yahweh) in heaven first, and then to others, is really worth it. Until next time my friends. Take care. Cheers!