500 Things to be Grateful for Today

Gratitude is good. For the giver as well as for the recipient. Its benefits are immeasurable and countless.

Numerous studies have proved its effectiveness in providing us with the most sought-after and elusive things in life – happiness, contentment, and peace of mind.

Most of us take things and people around us for granted, even after being aware of the benefits of practicing gratitude. We can come up with many excuses for that – too busy to pause and reflect is the most common one among them.

Including gratitude in your behavior needs some time and effort in the beginning. Once it becomes part of your routine, it would be easier.

Gratitude exercises are devised to help in making it simpler for you to practice gratitude. One such exercise is the gratitude list. It is a list of things to be thankful for.

The gratitude list can act as a prompt to trigger the feeling of gratitude in you. You may go through the list as it is or write them into positive daily affirmations to repeat as often as possible.

When you use the gratitude list, you are reminding yourself of the things you are grateful for in life.

Here is a comprehensive list of things to be grateful for today.

Things about yourself to be thankful for

Valuing your good qualities is key to a positive and happy mindset. They are easy to ignore and taken for granted. Look inward and identify your strengths.

Being alive – Life is indeed beautiful
Good health – Even if you are not 100% alright, there is always something to be grateful for
Fit body – Hard work always brings results
Uniqueness – Cherish the fact that you are distinct and special
Identity – Be proud of who you are
Strengths – Take pride in your strong points
Respect – After all respect begets respect
Healthy body – Ample proof of your dedicated efforts at conscious eating throughout life
Good intentions – That is all that matters
Forgiveness – Helps in repairing relationships
Focus – You need this to succeed in your endeavors
Happy-go-lucky attitude – Life is too short to be serious all the time
Your roots – You are what you are because of your origins
Can-do attitude – The key to success in life
Never-give-up mentality – Success comes to those who persist
Positive mindset – Nothing is impossible
Empathy – Feeling what others feel is a helpful social skill to have
Friendly personality – Makes it easy for others to approach and ask for help
Hard-working attitude – Never settle for anything less than your expectations
Sincerity – This can earn you long-lasting friendships
Non-judgmental attitude – Accepting others for who they are is a useful trait
Open-mindedness – It opens many doors for you

Things about family and friends to be grateful for

These are the people who offer you unconditional love and accept you without being judgmental. They stick with you through thick and thin and are always there for you. Showing appreciation for everything they have done for you is a small yet significant gesture on your part.

Your mother – The life-giving, kind, compassionate, dependable, and all-knowing
Your father – The supportive, loyal, open-minded, teacher, disciplinarian, and showering unconditional love
Your siblings – The relationship is a unique blend of true affection and intense hate
Your grandparents – Parents with no strings attached
Your extended family – Always there when you want them
Your children – The torchbearers of your legacy
Your grandchildren – A relationship of pure love
Your in-laws – That special love-hate relationship you acquire by marriage
Your bestie/besties – The greatest gift given to us all
Your wife/husband – The person you chose to share your life with
Your girlfriend/boyfriend – The sight of them makes your heart skip a beat
Your fiancé – Eagerly waiting to cement your relationship
Roommates – The family away from home
Best friends forever – ‘til death do us part
Falling in love – That heady feeling that makes you fill up with excitement and unbridled happiness
Support of family – How can we survive without it?
Lifelong friendships – Make life more meaningful
Children’s laughter – The innocence and pure joy can lift your mood in no time
When your kids say that you are their role model
Discovering people who understand you
A person who brings the best out of you
Someone who motivates you
Meeting or chatting with old friends
Someone open-minded
The call or a message from a long-lost friend
Deep conversations about the meaning of life
Time spent with grandparents
The delicious smell of a newborn baby
Quality time with parents

Things in life you should learn to value

Oftentimes, we tend to lose sight of the multitude of blessings in our lives. While we obsess over the things we lack, we overlook the ones we already possess. Recognizing and acknowledging them can help you move ahead in life.

Close friendship – One of the few things in life worth living for
Freedom of choice – Not many are fortunate to have this
Lazy weekends – The time you get every week to enjoy life
Vacations – The time for unadulterated fun
Travel – Something that adds value to life
Bank balance – Of course, you want more, but it could have been worse
Pets – They teach you the true meaning of love and loyalty
Mistakes – If not for them, we might not have learned many things in life
Education – Opens many a door
Ability to read – Where you would be without that
Cars – An essential accessory that can help you get your job done faster
Time – Often we learn its value after it is lost
Clean water – Not many people have access to this precious commodity
Pain – No pain no gain and no pleasure either
Freedom of speech – A hard-fought right. Never to be taken for granted
Wisdom – Something you gain with experience as you age
Eyesight – Appreciate its value even when we have it
Your job – A confirmation that you have something to offer
Bad day – When you learn to appreciate the good ones
Hearing – Being able to hear the voice of your loved one is something to be grateful for
Freedom to vote – A right we often ignore and forget
Challenges – An opportunity to learn and improve our lives
Armed forces – Keeping us safe and secure
Government – Ensuring leadership, social order, public services, and economic stability
Payday – The feeling of pure joy when the coffers are replenished
Bonus – The most anticipated day of the year
Money in the pockets – The reassuring feeling
Windfall – Gives you unparalleled joy
Emotional support animals – Offers love and loyalty without expecting anything in return
Wallet full of money – Gives you a sense of security
Comfortable shoes – Something you can wear throughout the day

Simple pleasures to cherish every day

In the daily mad rush, these are things that are left unnoticed by most of us. Slow down, hit the pause button, and enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

The warmth of the sun
The cool breeze on a sultry day
The first sip of coffee in the morning
Your favorite song
Time spent with your loved ones
A good night’s sleep
Sunday mornings
The smell of a scented candle
Winning a prize
Sunshine pouring in through the open window
Idle time curled up on the couch reading a good book
A hot shower in winter
A cold shower in summer
Pool time on a hot, sultry day
Post-work-out feeling
Guilt-free lazing around on an off-day
The smell of fresh coffee
Relaxing in your favorite corner
The smell of clothes fresh out of the dryer
Peaceful and quiet time alone
Fresh air
Warm clothing
Warm socks on a winter day
Snoozing the alarm in the morning
Finding a lost thing
Water pressure
Uncontrollable laughter
Goodnight kisses
Back rubs and foot massages
A free gift
A steal deal
Alone time
Guy’s/girl’s night out – The time for unadulterated enjoyment
The fresh smell of bed sheets
A nice bubble bath
Days when you don’t need to set alarms
The rush of fresh cool air from an open car window
Riding down the hill on a bicycle with arms stretched
The refreshing feel of washed hair
Relaxing with a glass of wine at the end of the day
A handwritten letter
Good hair days
Receiving tax refunds
A cool refreshing swim on a hot summer day

Things in nature to be thankful for

Connecting with nature is a stress-buster, immunity-booster, and raises positivity and happiness levels. It is good for our physical and mental well-being. Fill your lungs with the fresh air, savor the wonders of nature, and feel thankful.

Pouring rain – A good time to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa
Rainbow – Transports you to the magical world
Mountains – Majestic and awe-inspiring
Sunrise – Beginning of a new day
Sunset – A reminder that all good things come to an end
The Universe – It feels great to be part of this incredible creation
Gardening – The joy of keeping a plant alive
Pets – They give you so much in exchange for so little
The oceans – A part of the Creator’s grand design
Changing seasons – Wonders of nature
A clear blue sky
White fluffy clouds
Crisp autumn days
Strolling on the beach
Playing in the snow
Spending time in close contact with nature
Clear starry nights
A garden in full bloom
Falling asleep under the stars
Romantic full moon night
Panoramic ocean views
Waves lapping at your feet
The feel of sand between your toes
Picturesque views from the mountain top
The first snow of the season
Getting drenched in the pouring rain
Magnificent waterfalls
Meandering trails in the woods
Perfect summer days
Warm spring mornings
The change of seasons
Dense tropical forests

Traditions and celebrations to be grateful for

Traditions and celebrations have a strong link with family and friends. They offer you a sense of belonging and comfort. They lay the foundation for your beliefs, behavior, integrity, work ethic, responsibility, and a lot more. Definitely, something to feel thankful for.

Wedding – Beginning of a new chapter in life with someone you love
Maintaining a family tradition
Family coming together for holidays
The feeling of affinity and togetherness while putting up festival decorations
The beginning of a new chapter on New Year’s Day
The excitement of receiving the first Valentine’s Day card
The feeling of camaraderie while watching football on a Super Bowl Sunday
The happiness of being single
Easter bunnies, chocolates, and egg hunts
To have a wonderful mom to wish Mother’s Day
To have an amazing dad to wish Father’s Day
Thanksgiving dinner with the family
Trick or treat for Halloween
The fun time had when dressed up in costumes
Christmas tree resplendent with lights and decorations surrounded by gifts for all
New Year eve parties
Midnight Mass for Christmas
Birthday parties

Modern-day conveniences to be thankful for

Can’t imagine a life without them. Often makes you wonder how people managed without these gadgets and conveniences. Something worth appreciating.

Cell phone – How can we live without them!
Supermarkets – They have made our lives easier
Entertainment – How else would we be able to relax and enjoy life?
Transportation – Life without cars, buses, trains, and planes are hard to imagine
Public transportation – Offering a cost-effective way to travel
Modern medicine – It allows us to enjoy life longer
Hospitals – Helping us to get back on our feet
Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers – Doing God’s work
Inventions and discoveries – Have helped create this modern world for us to live and enjoy
Customer service – Ready to resolve our complaints
Internet connection – Can’t imagine life without it!
Internet – Bringing knowledge, services, and more within easy reach
Computer/laptop – Work, entertainment, and more in one place
Email – The easy way to connect and share
Social media – Finding friends from all over the world
Video chats – The next best thing to meeting face-to-face
Television – Bringing the world into your living room
Cable network – News, recreation, … It has something for everyone
Streaming platforms – Entertainment and information available at your fingertips
Movie marathons – For those lazy evenings
Online education – Providing access to education for all
Vaccination – Makes our lives safer and free of diseases
Cameras – To capture memories
All modes of transportation – Bringing the world closer like never before
Advances in technology – Has changed lives for the better
Smartphones – How did we ever live without one?
GPS and maps – How did people reach places before?
Messaging – Keeping in touch made easy
Selfies – The ultimate tool for the Millennials
Fitness trackers – No more excuses for not taking care of your body
Wireless headphones – The greatest invention
Online shopping – Access to everything from the comforts of your home
Black Friday deals – Worth waiting for a year
Boxing Day sales – Mind-blowing offers and incredible discounts
Online banking – Money transactions cannot get easier and simpler than this
Credit cards – The genius invention
2-hour delivery and same-day delivery – No need to go out shopping
Food delivery apps – When you are feeling too lazy to go out
Restaurants – Food with ambiance
Takeouts – When you are too tired for a restaurant experience
Drive-ins – For faster and simpler service
Music apps – Provides easy access to music
Perfect playlist – A compilation of your favorites
Courts and legal system – Protecting our rights
Smartphone apps – Can’t think of life without them

Things you love to be thankful for

If you look around, you can see so many things that make your life easier and give you so much joy, pleasure, and comfort. It is desirable that you feel grateful for their presence in your life.

A comfortable bed to sleep
Sunshine
The breeze blowing on you
Ability to appreciate a work of art
A chance to earn your living
Aptitude to learn
Watching your favorite movie
Ability to enjoy music
Inclination to acquire new skills
Desire in others to teach
Health and wellbeing
Capability to work towards realizing goals
A beautiful dream
A roof over the head
Pleasant surprises
A smile of a stranger
The message of good news
Date nights
Dancing to your heart’s content
Capacity for imagination
Dancing like nobody’s watching
Sing like no one is listening
Color recognition
Good neighbors
Honest behavior
The innocence of a child
A child’s way of trusting
Long conversations with a close friend
Loungewear – Makes you reluctant to get out of the comfy PJs
Setting intentions for the day ahead
Manifesting a goal
A brilliant original idea
Poking fun at yourself
Ability to see the lighter side of things
Maintaining your sanity in crazy times
Ability to keep your cool in difficult situations
The circle of life
Aptitude to read and acquire knowledge

Activities to be grateful for

Everyone enjoys doing something or the other. Often it is a long list of activities that offer you enjoyment, entertainment, and happiness. Include them in your gratitude list.

Campfire – An opportunity for fun and camaraderie
Hiking/trekking – A chance to combine physical activity with nature appreciation
Meditation – For allowing you to take control of your mind
Breathing exercises – For a calmer mind and healthier body
Aerobics – Making exercising a fun activity
Cooking – It’s satisfying to see others relish your dishes
Learn to drive – Part of growing up
Long drives – Stress-buster and mood-enhancer
Hobbies – Things you are passionate about
Journaling – The liberating act of converting your thoughts and feelings into words
Long walks in the countryside, breathing in clean air
Taking a clean dive into a river/swimming pool
Scuba diving to see the wonders of the sea
Fly like a bird with paragliding
Make a figure eight while skating
Spending some time in the neighborhood park
Listening to an inspirational talk
Taking a leisurely walk with a friend
Oblivious to your surroundings when reading a good book
Striking off entries in a bucket list
Beginning a new project
Successful completion of a project
Baking your favorite cake/cookies
A cool shower after exercising
The act of donation or charity
Volunteering to help those in need
Learning a new language

Emotions and feelings to be appreciated

Emotions are tricky things. While some can make you feel euphoric and ecstatic, others can bring you down in an instant. Feel thankful for the good emotions that you experience.

Ability to laugh – Without laughter, the world would be a sad place
Being safe and secure – A vital ingredient for peace of mind
Love – Life would be meaningless without it
Tears – A good cry is a stress-buster
Clarity of mind – Life would be hard without it
Cuddles – It can make the worst things in life vanish into thin air
Belly laughs – Uplifts your mood instantly
The positive outlook – Something you cannot do without
Forgiving nature – A vital ingredient for peace of mind
The euphoria of winning a game
Ability to experience emotions
The joy of making your dreams come true
The pleasure of receiving an unexpected compliment from someone
The joy of giving and receiving love
Curiosity and inspiration
Kindness and compassion
Passion and purpose in life
Peace and serenity
Pride in our achievements

Life lessons that you feel thankful for

These are lessons learned through our own experiences – both successes and failures. Appreciate them for making your life rich and colorful.

The art of letting go – This is essential for mental health
Truth – The easiest path to follow
Life must be lived in your own terms – No need to feel apologetic about it
The joy of giving – There is more joy in giving than receiving
Kind gestures from strangers
Finding pleasure in helping others
Apologies that are offered with sincerity
The generosity of people, especially strangers
Your acts of kindness towards others. Also, to yourself
The comfort of knowing others are as clueless about life’s purpose as you are
Making health a priority
Learning never stops
Importance of doing what you enjoy
Family time – This is important
Learning can happen anytime anywhere

Foods that delight you

Food is not just for nourishment. It gives you pleasure and comfort when you want it. Feel gratitude for making your life worth living.

A good breakfast
A freshly made orange juice
The smell of bread fresh from the oven
The first bite of a cinnamon roll
A hot fudge sundae
Food on the table for every meal
A home-cooked meal
Your favorite chocolate
Eating your favorite dish
Trying out a new restaurant
Testing a new dish
Trying out a new recipe or cooking a new dish
A refreshing smoothie
Ability to stick to your diet plan
The aroma of cooking
The fresh smell of something just out of the oven
Dark chocolate
Desserts
Energy drinks – To give you instant power and strength
Protein shakes – To help you build muscles
The pleasure of enjoying every single bite
Donuts that melt in your mouth
Delectable pastries
A bag of chips of your favorite flavor
Popcorns
Free samples of ice cream
Happy hour
Hot cocoa
Expressos, lattes, and cappuccinos
Cheese sandwiches
Marshmallows
Pancakes doused in maple syrup
Microwave meals – For those lazy days
Healthy choices
Vegan food

Things at home to be grateful for

Home is the place we go back to every day or even spend the entire day. We all try to improve the comforts and facilities at home so that the time spent at home is hassle-free and enjoyable. Count your blessings for the conveniences available to you.

Home – A warm and cozy place is something to be cherished
Electricity – Our lives depend on this
Running water – We can’t imagine living without it
Air Conditioning – Something to look forward to on a hot day
Bed and pillows – A warm and cozy place to sleep in
Breakfast in bed – It is a luxury not many are fortunate to have
Hitting the snooze button and going back to sleep
Sleeping in on weekends and holidays
Waking up early in the morning and enjoying the peace and quiet
Food in the fridge – To satisfy sudden hunger pangs
Pets welcoming you back home with enthusiasm and excitement
Microwave – To heat the food in an instant
Hugs, cuddles, and kisses
Peace and quiet – Especially after a hectic day at the office and mad traffic
The big bathtub – For relaxing during weekends
Shower stalls – Convenient, stylish, and most enjoyable
Affordable rent – Helps ends meet when the budget is low
Friendly and helpful landlord
Cupboards and drawers – To arrange your things uncluttered
Well-organized living space
Garden – For a close encounter with nature

Things at school to be grateful for

For a person, school plays as important a role in shaping the future as much as the family. School offers way more than just lessons learned from textbooks. A big chunk of childhood memories is associated with the school for obvious reasons. Acknowledge the contribution and feel gratitude.

Books – The treasure trove of knowledge
Teachers – The ones who ignite your passion, inspire you to conquer the world
Your favorite teacher – The interactions you looked forward to and enjoyed the most
Your gang of friends – Filling your school days with fun and laughter
Study time with friends
The bus ride/walking to school with friends
Weekends – Something everyone looks forward to
Reading week – A week off from the tight schedule
Learning new things and new experiences
Exposure to the real world
School spirit – A chance to experience something more than yourself
Passing notes – Harmless fun
Skipping classes – Nothing is more enjoyable than the thrill of stolen moments
Clubs – The meeting point of studies and hobbies
Sports – Learning to work as a team and time spent playing with friends
School trips – Fun time traveling with friends and exploring new places
Carefree years – Freedom to do what you wanted with your life
Library – A goldmine of knowledge
Snow days – When classes are canceled or delayed, greeted by kids with cheer
Vending machines – For those forgetful days
Cafeteria – Where great friendships are made

Things at work to be grateful for

A significant part of our adult life is spent at the office. Everything about the workplace from the boss and colleagues to the amenities available can make or break us. Identify the ones that have made your life easier and feel thankful for them.

First day on your first job
Being appreciated for your contribution
Your work station
Statutory holidays
Office parties
Team spirit – Being part of a team
Work from home
Getting a promotion
Rewards for a job well done
Break time camaraderie
Free work phone with unlimited talk time
Getting paid
Writing off expenses
Adding your bills to the office expense account
Coffee runs and lunch hour
Landing a major client – Especially for the first time
Earning a raise – The satisfaction and sense of achievement is incomparable
Work-related trips
Reserved parking space
Taking time off from work
Career building
Fridays – Prelude to the weekends
Work-life balance
Competition – Something that prompts you to work harder

Recommended Reading: Benefits of Gratitude in the Workplace

Memories and experiences that you love and relish

When you are feeling down or lonely, memories can cheer you up in no time. They are your best companions for life. Thank them for their contribution.

Old photographs – Never fail to bring a smile or warm your heart
Taking a walk down the memory lane
Long lost friends
Bedtime stories
Being tucked in at night
Old yearbooks
Relics from childhood – Favorite toys, baseball gloves, ticket stubs, and old recordings
Rewatching old movies
Lessons and values taught by your parents
Sharing room with siblings
Family outings
Family get-together with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins
Sneaking out to meet friends
Getting into trouble with parents
Listening to your old playlists
Reading your old diaries and notes
Class reunions
Catching up with old friends
First crush, first love, first kiss
First date
High school graduation day
Prom night
Your collections

What are you grateful for today?

It makes sense to assess how far you have traveled in life and what all you have achieved. Recognize where you have reached in life now and appreciate everything you have earned, learned, and accumulated. Even the quirky ones.

Waking up in the morning after a good night’s sleep
Clean and decluttered living space
Breathing in fresh air
The cognitive abilities of the mind
Living on this beautiful planet
A roof above your head
Today’s weather
Ability to earn a living
Ability to raise a family
Willpower to change
Recognition that life will continue tomorrow and will not end today
Freedom to take time off
Great friendships
Your achievements
Ability to travel the world
Your ability to adapt to newer technology
Advances in the medical field
The facilities accessible to you
A loving family
A wonderful home
A job that gives you satisfaction – Where your talents are utilized and valued
Ample savings to fall back on emergencies
Your education – You got where you are now because of this

Things in the future you look forward to

The future signifies hope and that is something to live for. We move forward in life hoping to discover what the future holds for us. And at times we intervene to make the future better, brighter, and happier. If not for the future, life would be dull and inspiring.

The feeling of hope for the future
Advancement in technology
Future plans and goals
Manifestation of your goals
Fruits of your hard labor
Results of the exam you studied hard for
Completing your bucket list
Finishing your to-do list
Tomorrow is a brand new day and you can start all over again
Waiting for your desires and dreams to come true
Unraveling the mystery of our existence
Finding the meaning of life
Not having a care in the world, for a short period at least
Spontaneous weekend trips
Better relationships
Better experience at work
Finding a better paying job
Finding a job where your skillset finds optimum use
Finding a workplace where you are valued better
Owning your own home
Meeting your soulmate
Watching your kids graduate
Leaving a legacy that you are proud of
Spending time with your grandkids
A warm relationship with your parents
Meeting your childhood friends after 20 years
Being rich enough to afford your dream car
Retiring with sufficient funds
Learning how to be independent
Figuring out what you want in life
Developing your hobby
Attending the music concert of your favorite artist
Watching your favorite game from the stadium

Closing thought

Remembering all those things in life that you are thankful for is the first step in practicing gratitude. You may choose from the numerous options available to you to practice gratitude.

Such as maintaining a gratitude journal, mindfulness meditation, and affirmations. You may tell the people you love how much you appreciate and care for them. You may write thank-you notes or spend time with them.

You may use the ideas in this gratitude list as prompts to help you do these gratitude exercises.