7 Ways To Count Your Blessings

This season brings a special kind of magic - something warm, nostalgic, and almost childlike. I find myself looking at everything with awe, feeling joy in the little things. But, just beneath that joy, there's often a quiet whisper: I haven't done enough. I don't have enough. I'm not enough.

Theodore Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy". He wasn't wrong. If you've ever scrolled through social media and thought, How do they have it all together?, you're not alone. It's easy to lose sight of who we are and what we already have.

But here's the truth: wishing for more while overlooking the present won't move you forward. It only keeps you stuck - watching others live while you merely exist.

This season, instead of getting swept up in what you lack, start by appreciating what you already have. Here are seven simple ways to help you shift your mindset and cultivate gratitude:

 

Remember Those in Need

It's easy to forget how fortunate we are until we pause to consider those who aren't. Especially at this time of year, many are alone, cold, and without support. Even the small annoyances - like a mother-in-law who takes over the kitchen - can be reframed as blessings. She's present. She's helping. Try to see beyond the moment and recognise the love in the chaos.

 

Journal the Positives

Writing is therapeutic. Try keeping a gratitude journal where you list things - big or small - that you're thankful for each day. Over time, you'll train your brain to look for the good rather than dwell on the negative. Journaling helps build a habit of noticing life's blessings and creates a space where gratitude can thrive.

 

Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

We often claim we're too busy to connect with friends and family, but the truth is - we choose how to spend our time. Make space for the people who matter. Whether it's a quick phone call or a coffee catch-up, those moments become memories, and those connections remind us how lucky we are.

 

Give Without Expectation

Giving is one of the most powerful ways to feel abundant. Whether it's your time, kindness, or a simple gesture, giving to others boosts your sense of purpose and connection. When you give freely, you're reminded of your own capacity to make a difference - and that in itself is a blessing.

 

Practice Forgiveness

Forgiveness isn't about letting someone off the hook - it's about setting yourself free. Holding onto resentment only clouds your view of life's goodness. Ask yourself: Will this matter in five years? Probably not. Let go of old grudges and make space for the joy and peace that come with healing.

 

Affirm yourself daily

Positive affirmations are powerful tools for rewiring your mindset. Write down a few affirming statements that resonate with you and keep them where you'll see them - on your mirror, your desk, or in your journal. Examples: 

• I am grateful for all I have and all I am becoming.
• Each day brings new blessings, and I welcome them with an open heart.

Say them aloud. Repeat them often. Believe in them.

 

Be Mindful in the Moment

Gratitude lives in the present. Whatever you're doing - washing dishes, making breakfast, walking the dog - do it with awareness. Notice your senses. Appreciate your body, your mind, your breath. These small acts of mindfulness help you reconnect with the richness of simply being alive.

 

Just Remember...

Gratitude is more than a seasonal feeling - it's a practice that can transform your everyday life. By counting your blessings, you reclaim your joy and remind yourself of your worth. You don't need to 'have more' to feel abundant. You just need to 'notice more'.

So take stock. Show appreciation - for yourself, for your journey, for the life you're living right now. These are the blessings that truly count.