The Little Things: A Gratitude List
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Enjoy the little things…
for one day you
may look back and realize
they were the big things.
~Robert Brault
Sometimes, we need reminders. Life gets busy, and it can definitely get messy. Either way, it’s easy to get off track and wish for things to be different…or at least simpler. When these moments hit, and you find it impossible to think of the glass as half full, it’s helpful to remember just how much you have to be grateful for. Gratitude is something we have to work on every day, and be aware of all the time. If you’re like me, and struggle with this, it’s helpful to make a “gratitude list.”
The whole “count your blessings” concept works for me every time. Below you will find my own gratitude list…and it’s a mix of little things, important things, and things I love. It’s in no particular order…I just wrote as ideas came to me. In the time it took me to write this list, my glass quickly went from half empty to overflowing.
My Gratitude List
- My family
- Time with my grandchildren
- My friends (including my readers)
- Having dinner with my dad
- My good health (even if I do have a few aches and pains!)
- A new puppy
- Clean windows
- Tulips
- An empty dishwasher
- A new haircut
- A pedicure
- A kind email
- Soup on the stove
- Blue mason jars
- That first cup of coffee in the morning
- Laundry that’s finished (or at least caught up)
- My Smart TV + streaming channels
The Little Things Quote
I couldn’t write a post like this without including an inspirational printable. I’ve seen this “enjoy the little things” quote by Robert Brault many places, and always loved it. In 2019, when this post was originally published, I wrote to Mr. Brault and requested permission to make a printable featuring his quote for my readers. He graciously agreed, and the quote is used with his permission. What you see below is an updated printable made especially for you. If you aren’t currently on my list, just fill out the short form at the end of the post. You will receive an email that contains a link to download your own high resolution, unwatermarked copy of Mr. Brault’s quote.
*Current OSP subscribers should go ahead and fill out the form and I’ll send the printables right away. My email company makes sure that you don’t get duplicate subscriptions.
Also included with the printable quote is your very own gratitude list. Download it and print a few to keep on hand. Store them in a handy place, maybe with your journal. When you have a bad day, or are worried, or wonder what life will throw at you next, take out a copy and start writing. Think of all the little things that make you smile, or bring you peace, or bring you joy. It’s very quick, and it’s a few minutes that you can take for yourself (which you definitely deserve.) When you’re finished, you will feel much better…and you will be reminded that life is good, and that no matter what, we all have something to be grateful for.
Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your friendship. Until next time…
Could I possibly get a free copy to print of Enjoy the Little Things? One of my favorite quotes.
The quote is a wonderful reminder. I also need to be grateful more to God for the things we take for granted (the very air we breathe—became more precious after a bad asthma attack.)
Love the quote, and also love the idea of keeping the gratitude list handy! Thank you for making a printable and for the encouragement to use it.
Ann Thank you for the two printables. How kind of the author to share and for you to
share with us. I am SO glad that you will be getting a new puppy! Barb
Thank you for the reminder and sweet printable. I plan to have it printed at the office store and send to a special friend.
Thank you for the inspirational quote. The list is similar to mine, but I would have God and my faith at the top of my list. As I grow older I know He is the reason for all of my pleasures big and small.
Almost everything on your list rings true with me.I’m always grateful for the little things.
Ann,
Everything you said rings true for me as well. I have recently had a simple misunderstanding between a dear family member and myself. I felt so sad it weighed me down for a couple of days. I’ve cleared the air, but it was so overwhelming at the time. I managed to feel better by sitting down with a pen and paper and wrote a gratitude list. Thank you for this reminder.
Karen B.
Perfect timing to ponder over the little things ga today. A new puppy for you??
I love it! Your list is pretty much my list as well! Except for lunch with Dad. I lost my Dad 3 years ago but I am SO GRATEFUL I had him for so long. He was just the best Dad! Thank you for the Gratitude List print out.
Love it. I’m going to print some for work. We all need reminders to be grateful and stop whinging. We have so much to be thankful for in Australia compared to many other countries. Thanks Anne.
Wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing! Have a fantastic day!
A Recipe for happiness was what I needed. Thank you for this gentle reminder!
Yes! It is most definitely this little things and always good to be reminded of them. Thank you for a beautiful post.
Your posts are always such a joy. I love seeing one in my email inbox. But today, this is exactly what I needed. To be sure, its been a tough year for everyone. At 58 I am raising a special needs grandchild. These gratitude lists and your beautiful printable truly enriched my life today and for many many many days to come.
Perfect timing. Bless you, Ann.
Thanks for the reminder, Ann!!! Every day should include some time taken for gratitude, I find that it helps me find my “plumb line’. LOVE OSP!
My gratitude list includes Ann because you keep us on the upbeat side of the scale.
Yes, yes, yes and yes. Your grandchildren are absolutely adorable-even from the back.
Gratitude works for me every time, every day.
Thank you for this post. Gratitude is a game changer. I enjoy seeing other people’s lists to see if I overlook something in my own life. It is easy to forget everything we have been blessed with.