Life moves fast — especially as we approach the holidays. Schedules fill up, to-do lists multiply, and before we know it, days blur together. But tucked inside this season is a beautiful invitation to pause, notice, and appreciate the small moments that make our lives meaningful.
Gratitude doesn’t have to look like journaling for an hour or meditating at sunrise (unless you want it to!). It can be simple, quiet, and woven into your everyday rhythm. And when practiced consistently, gratitude gently shifts the way we see our lives. It softens stress, strengthens relationships, and increases our overall sense of joy and presence.
Here’s one easy gratitude practice you can start today — no special supplies, no big-time commitment, just intention.
The Three Moments Practice
Each day, take a few minutes to name three moments that brought you something good.
They don’t have to be big. In fact, the smaller the better.
Think:
- The way your coffee tasted right when it was perfectly warm.
- A genuine laugh with a co-worker.
- Your child is holding your hand in the parking lot.
- A quiet car ride.
- A sunbeam on the kitchen floor.
These are the moments that slip by unnoticed when we rush — and they’re often the ones that give life its warmth.
How to Do It
- Pick a consistent time.
Many people choose:- Right before bed
- During the drive home
- At the dinner table
- Ask yourself (or your family):
“What were three things you appreciated about today?” - Keep it simple.
One sentence per moment is enough. - Write it down, speak it out loud, or just think it — whatever feels realistic.
Why This Works
This small daily pause trains your brain to notice goodness as it’s happening — not just in hindsight. Over time, you naturally begin spotting more joy, kindness, humor, and peace throughout your day.
It doesn’t make life perfect.
It makes life more seen.
And when we notice our lives more deeply, we live them more fully.
Make It a Family Habit
This is one of the easiest traditions to start with kids.
Try asking at dinner or bedtime:
- “What made you smile today?”
- “Who were you kind to?”
- “What felt special today?”
You’ll be surprised by what they share — and how it opens doors to connection.
If You Miss a Day
Just begin again. No guilt, no catching up, no “I failed.”
Gratitude is a practice — not a performance.
A Gentle Closing Thought
The most meaningful shifts in life often come from simple, consistent moments — not grand gestures. This month, give yourself permission to slow down just enough to notice the life you’re in.
Beautiful things are happening around you every single day.
This practice helps you see them.
