Practicing gratitude (Even when you’re super busy)

Something special happens this time every year—the temperatures get cooler, the leaves start to change, and somewhere in the midst of the crisp days in the yard and cozy nights on the couch, I feel extra grateful for all the good in my life.

There are infinite ways to practice gratitude, but one of the easiest ways I’ve found is to write 3 things I’m grateful for in my journal at the end of each day. I also love to write what I’m grateful for on slips of paper throughout the year, keeping them all in a mason jar until New Year’s Eve, when I take them out and read them with my family.

Much of my gratitude practice was inspired by Life is Good—their mission of spreading the power of optimism is contagious, and makes such a difference in my everyday life. It’s crazy how much joy a simple t-shirt can bring. My son Zion wears my “Good Vibes” sweatshirt as a superman cape, and I love watching him “fly” around our backyard with it.

I’m so grateful for this small moment, and so many others. Here are a few of my favorites from this past fall:

1. A strong gust of wind that almost knocks me over, leaving my daughters and I in a fit of laughter
2. The warmth of an autumn sunset, the golden tones streaming through the branches in my backyard
3. An afternoon spent running and playing catch in a field with my son
4. A 10-minute “date” with my husband. The kids were running all around us, but we had a thermos, a blanket, and a napping baby who allowed us a moment of connection amongst the chaos
5. The sound of crunching leaves beneath my feet
6. Sharing a smile with my husband and being reminded of the love we have
7. Exploring abandoned houses and discovering old books with my kids

What are some of the things you’re grateful for this season?