100 Things to Be Thankful For (That We Don’t Always Think About)

Thanksgiving is here again—a time of year that nudges us to pause and think about what we’re grateful for. Of course, gratitude isn’t just for this one week a year; it’s a practice, something we can cultivate every day. But I love how this season reminds us to slow down and notice the good things in our lives.

And here’s the thing about gratitude: it doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. The magic often lies in the quiet, everyday moments we might otherwise overlook—the little things that hold us together, make us smile, or help us heal.

So, in the spirit of the season, I’ve put together a list of 100 things to be thankful for—some small, some big, all worth appreciating. As you read through, I hope you feel inspired to reflect on your own list, maybe even share it with someone you love.

100 Things to Be Thankful For

Happiness and Joy

1. That moment when sunlight pours through the window and warms your skin.

2. The first sip of coffee or tea in the morning—it’s like a hug in a cup.

3. Laughing so hard your stomach hurts.

4. The way music can transport you back to a moment you thought you’d forgotten.

5. Random compliments from strangers that brighten your day.

6. The way animals instinctively bring us comfort just by being near us.

7. A text from someone you haven’t heard from in ages, letting you know they’re thinking of you.

8. Finding beauty in small, unexpected places—like raindrops glistening on leaves.

9. That first deep breath after a good cry.

10. The satisfaction of crossing something off your to-do list (even if it’s “write a to-do list”).

Healing and Growth

11. The lessons we’ve learned from heartbreak (even though it hurt like hell at the time).

12. That feeling when you finally let go of something you’ve been holding onto for too long.

13. Seeing how far you’ve come, even if you still have a long way to go.

14. The peace that comes from forgiving someone—not for them, but for yourself.

15. Therapy, journaling, and all the ways we care for our mental health.

16. The relief of realizing you don’t have to have it all figured out.

17. The people who’ve supported you through your hardest times.

18. The freedom that comes with setting a boundary, even if it feels scary.

19. Watching someone you love heal and grow, knowing you were there for them.

20. The strength you find when you least expect it.

Love and Relationships

21. The way a simple hug can make everything feel better, even for a moment.

22. The quiet intimacy of sitting with someone you love, not needing to say anything.

23. When someone remembers something small about you, like your favorite snack or the way you take your coffee.

24. The vulnerability it takes to apologize—and the grace it takes to forgive.

25. Inside jokes that instantly bring a smile to your face.

26. The little love notes, texts, or gestures that remind you you’re cared for.

27. That feeling of being fully seen and accepted by someone who loves you, flaws and all.

28. Watching a loved one’s face light up when they see you.

29. The quiet confidence that comes from knowing you can love and be loved.

30. The gift of time spent with people who matter most.

Simple Pleasures

31. The sound of rain on the roof when you’re cozy inside.

32. Freshly baked cookies cooling on the counter.

33. The crisp feeling of clean sheets on your bed.

34. Watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange at sunset.

35. The smell of something cooking that reminds you of home.

36. Walking barefoot in the grass and feeling connected to the earth.

37. The way a warm shower can feel like a reset for your whole day.

38. A deep, belly-filling stretch after sitting for too long.

39. Finding a favorite sweater on a chilly day.

40. The stillness of the early morning before the world wakes up.

Natural Beauty

41. The sound of waves crashing on the shore.

42. The first blooms of spring after a long winter.

43. Trees that stand tall, holding stories older than us.

44. Watching the clouds shift and change shapes in the sky.

45. The smell of fresh rain on the pavement.

46. Seeing the stars on a clear night and feeling connected to the universe.

47. The crunch of autumn leaves beneath your feet.

48. The way snow blankets everything in a peaceful silence.

49. Discovering new trails and hidden places in nature.

50. The tiny miracles happening all around us, like bees pollinating flowers.

Community and Belonging

51. A shared laugh with someone you’ve just met that makes you feel instantly connected.

52. The feeling of walking into a space where you know you’re welcome.

53. People who check on you, just because.

54. The joy of seeing your neighbor’s friendly wave.

55. Belonging to a group that shares your passions, like a book club or yoga class.

56. The unspoken understanding of someone who just gets you.

57. The love that comes from chosen family—friends who feel like home.

58. The comfort of family traditions or rituals that remind you of your roots.

59. Witnessing or experiencing acts of kindness that restore your faith in humanity.

60. The belonging that comes from realizing we’re all connected in our shared human experience.

Gratitude for Ourselves

61. The way your body shows up for you every day, even when it’s tired.

62. The resilience you’ve shown through hard times.

63. The bravery it takes to ask for help when you need it.

64. The ability to laugh at yourself when things don’t go as planned.

65. Your creativity and the unique way you see the world.

66. The growth you’ve made, even if it’s been slow and messy.

67. Your ability to show up for the people you love, even when you’re struggling.

68. The moments when you listen to your intuition and it leads you somewhere good.

69. Your willingness to keep learning and trying, no matter what.

70. The parts of yourself you’ve worked so hard to love.

Possibility and Hope

71. The excitement of starting something new, even if it’s scary.

72. The way life can surprise you with joy when you least expect it.

73. The hope that tomorrow can be better than today.

74. The kindness of people who believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.

75. The freedom to change your mind and try again.

76. The potential of a blank page or a new day.

77. The spark of inspiration that comes out of nowhere.

78. The way challenges can lead to unexpected growth.

79. The reminder that nothing stays the same forever—pain included.

80. The chance to begin again, as many times as it takes.

Moments of Magic

81. The feeling of seeing the first snowfall of the season.

82. The way a candle flickers in the dark, filling the room with warmth.

83. Hearing a song you forgot you loved and singing along.

84. Watching kids laugh and play, reminding you of simpler times.

85. The awe of watching fireworks light up the night sky.

86. The joy of finding money in a coat you haven’t worn in months.

87. The smell of fresh flowers brightening up a room.

88. A handwritten note or card arriving in the mail.

89. The thrill of booking a trip or making exciting plans.

90. The way gratitude makes you feel alive, here, and deeply connected to this moment.

Unseen Miracles

91. The way your body heals itself after a scrape or bruise.

92. The tiny, intricate patterns on a butterfly’s wings.

93. How plants grow toward the light without anyone teaching them.

94. The miracle of breath—how it’s always there, sustaining you.

95. The way laughter can shift the energy in a room.

96. How strangers can become friends in an instant.

97. The way the world continues to turn, no matter what’s happening in our lives.

98. The unnoticed strength it takes to get through a hard day.

99. How a single kind word can change someone’s whole day.

100. The infinite opportunities to begin again.

Gratitude Beyond Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and give thanks, let’s not forget that gratitude isn’t just for one day or one week a year. It’s a practice—a way of seeing the world that can soften our hearts and deepen our connection to life.

And if you’re looking for a way to deepen your gratitude practice, I’d love for you to check out my books:

• The Couple's Gratitude Journal: 5 Minutes to Create a Stronger and More Fulfilling Relationship – A beautiful way to nurture love and connection with your (platonic or romantic) partner through daily gratitude.
• The 5-Minute GRATITUDE JOURNAL: Give Thanks, Practice Positivity, Find Joy – Gentle prompts to help you make gratitude a natural, heartfelt part of your life.

Gratitude doesn’t require perfection—just a willingness to notice. Let’s notice together ♡