Whenever my husband or I are feeling down, we often say to each other, “Name 3 things to be grateful for.” Making a gratitude list is a great way to keep things in perspective.
It helps us not get so upset about little inconveniences. Being mindful of all the things we have to be thankful for also helps with contentment.
If you are having a bad day, or going through a difficult time, I hope this gratitude list will help you focus on the many blessings in your life.
Why do you need a gratitude list?
Practicing daily gratefulness has helps you live a more simple life. Instead of always wanting the next best thing, you can look at what you already have and practice contentment.
Remembering the things you have to be thankful for are especially helpful when you go through difficult times like job loss, financial struggle, or death of a loved one.
It will change your outlook on life and cause you to have better days.
Also, if you’re a christian, you know that God instructs us to “give thanks” all throughout the Bible. This is not on accident. God knows that we will be happier when we are thankful.
How to keep a gratitude list
You may want to keep a gratitude journal where you write down a few things each day throughout the year.
Or you may want to keep a long list that you can refer to whenever you need reminded of things to be grateful for in life.
You could purchase a notebook to write it down and continually add to it.
Another idea is to add something new to each day in your planner. (affiliate link) That way you have 365 things to be grateful for by the end of the year and can review it all as you look back on the year.
If you are more of a techie person, you may want to keep your list in a spreadsheet or on your notes app.
When to use your gratitude list
There is always a good time to use a gratitude list, but here are some examples.
- in the morning when you first wake up
- before bed as you get ready to go to sleep
- whenever you’re feeling low
- if you’re struggling with contentment
- when life doesn’t go your way
- when life is going well and you want to look back with gratefulness
- when you can’t sleep
- time that you are worried
Gratitude List:
The things on my list may or may not apply to you.
However, I hope these ideas give you a good start. As you read through the ideas, make your own gratitude list.
People to be grateful for:
1. Your spouse
2. Your kids
3. Your parents/grandparents
4. Your neighbors
5. A mentor or favorite teacher
6. Friends
7. Church family
8. Co-workers
9. Delivery drivers
10. Home repair people
Things in Nature to be thakful for
11. Sunshine
12. The shade of trees
13. Flowers
14. Pets
15. Wildlife
16. A cool breeze on a hot day
17. Fruit
18. Vegetables
19. Rain
20. Seasons
21. The beach
22. Mountains
23. Natural remedies
24. Herbs and spices
Conveineces to be thankful for:
25. Air conditioning
26. A furnace
27. Indoor plumbing
28. Hot showers
29. Ice cold drinks
30. Medicine
31. Health care providers
32. Computers
33. Cell phones
34. Facetime/Video Chat
35. Delivery services
36. TV streaming
37. Social media
38. The internet
Priveleges to be Grateful for
39. The right to vote
40. The freedom to choose who you worship
41. The right to life, liberty, and happiness
42. The ability to choose how you educate your children
43. The right to choose your occupation
44. Being able to travel
Things to be grateful for:
45. Your home
46. A bed to sleep in
47. A car
48. Your job
49. A meal to eat
50. Clean sheets
51. Clothes to wear
52. Shoes to protect your feet
53. Laughter
54. Ability to walk
55. Your eyesight
56. Being able to hear
57. A warm cup of coffee or tea
58. Quiet time
59. Memories
60. Finding loose change in a pocket
61. Sleep
62. Hugs
63. The ability to smell
64. The ability to taste
65. Dessert
66. A good book
67. A good movie
68. Artwork
69. Fresh air
70. Holidays
71. A day off work
72. Music
73. A good hair day
74. You woke up today (some people didn’t)
75. Salvation (saved the best for last!)
I hope this list of things to be thankful for has given you a lot to think about. Try to make a daily habit of making a gratitude list. Even if it’s only a few things.
You’ll be amazed how much it will change your perspective and outlook on life.
