A Month of Gratitude: Counting Blessings Big & Small

November seems to carry its own rhythm — a pace that encourages us to pause, look inward, and take stock of the blessings in our lives. Gratitude often feels most natural during this month, perhaps because it follows the busy swirl of October and precedes the sparkle of December.

The beauty of gratitude is that it doesn’t have to be reserved for big moments. Sometimes it’s the quiet, everyday joys that make the deepest impression. The warmth of morning sunlight spilling across the table. A familiar song that stirs happy memories. The comfort of a neighbor waving hello as you pass.

Research even tells us that gratitude has lasting effects on our well-being. It lightens the spirit, improves perspective, and strengthens relationships. Yet it doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply naming one or two things each day that you are thankful for can shift how you see the world.

This November, perhaps keep a small “gratitude list” by your bedside or in a notebook. Jot down the things, people, or moments that bring light to your days. Over time, the pages become a gentle reminder that blessings are all around us — in both the extraordinary and the ordinary.