Five Years of Gratitude: A Daily Practice That Changed My Life

Five years ago, I began a simple practice: making a gratitude list every single day. Yes, every day. Not just in November when thankfulness is popular, but all year long — as a way to remind myself daily of the blessings God provides.

To keep it fun, I found creative ways to stay consistent. I hung a small whiteboard in my home office so I could jot down a few things each day with bright markers. Knowing I wouldn’t always be in that office, I also picked up some cheerful notebooks to carry with me. Looking back through those pages has been a joy — a reminder of God’s faithfulness in seasons past. Last year, my family gifted me a Kindle Scribe, knowing how much I love journaling. That’s now where I record my gratitude list each day. And I give myself grace when life gets busy. On the days I don’t have my Scribe nearby, I simply pause to think of a few things I’m grateful for, or even speak them out loud. Gratitude doesn’t have to be perfect or polished — it just has to be practiced.

This practice has become more than a routine. It’s a way of reorienting my heart. Here’s how it has changed me:

• It reminds me that no matter the circumstance, there is always something to be grateful for.

• It shifts my mindset. When I feel discouraged, gratitude lifts me toward hope. And when I’m already positive, it often deepens into joy.

• It keeps me grounded, helping me focus on what I do have instead of what I don’t.

• It opens my eyes to the people who are blessings in my life — prompting me to reach out, thank them, or pray for them.

  
  

Gratitude isn’t just a list; it’s a lens. Writing it down each day helps me see life more clearly, with peace and perspective. It's a game changer and a heart changer!

You don’t need a special notebook, a perfect plan, or the “right” season to begin. Start with whatever you have — a scrap of paper, a note on your phone, or even a quiet moment in prayer. Write down one thing you’re grateful for today, and let that simple act reorient your heart. Gratitude grows when we choose it, and the best time to begin is always now.

With grace and gratitude,

Cindy

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