Thoughts On Thursdays: Practicing Gratitude

One of my goals/New Years resolutions for 2025 was to practice gratitude. Putting it out there into the world has so far really helped me to keep and open mind and actively look for things I’m grateful for. They don’t have to be big things at all – a slow start to a Sunday is something I am extremely grateful for.

Realizing the Importance of Gratitude

The reason I want to practice gratitude more is that I have a horrible tendency of focusing on all the things I don’t have. A house with a big garden. Crazy luxurious holidays. A fancy car. And I tend to get upset about all of those things far more often than I care to admit. Something that I have done to avoid that is to stay off social media. That has helped tremendously. But unfortunately, there is still room for improvement for me.

This year, I want to focus on all of the things around me that I do have. I want to actively be grateful for them, take nothing for granted. And I think I’m going to turn it into a little bit of a series on this blog, taking you along for the ride. After all, that’s exactly what blogs are for, aren’t they?

Realizing it’s the little things that count

Over the past few days, I have realized something. I don’t need all those things mentioned above, the house, the holidays, the car. What I need, is a sense of belonging and some sunshine. And I have been so grateful to have gotten both recently!

Getting outside into the sunshine, wandering around the town I grew up in with my boyfriend and our family dog. Watching her go mental over her ball. Throwing the ball as far as humanly possible to make her happy. Meeting a curious horse along the way. Skidding over a frozen puddle. That’s something to be grateful for.

The same goes for my walk during my lunch break – beautiful blue skies, crisp air, trees covered in frost and snow on the fields. It was honestly so beautiful! I stopped so many times along the way, to take a closer look at the frozen ivy, to embrace the sunshine and to marvel at how wonderful nature is.

Seizing opportunities

I’m well aware that everyday isn’t going to be like this. Living in Germany, I think we’re all pretty much accustomed to cold, grey, wet winters. But every so often, a sunny winter’s day occurs. And I want you to make the most of it. Spend as much time outside as you can. Soak up that sunshine. And be grateful for it!