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Sometimes gratitude comes naturally, sometimes it’s a choice. It can be hard to feel grateful when you have a chronic illness and spend a lot of time not feeling well, but that’s precisely why the Gratitude challenge exists. Gratitude has been linked with elevated moods and better habits. But the key is recognizing the small things that you can also be grateful for. It’s easy to be grateful when something big happens like a new medication comes along that works for you or starting a new, exciting relationship, but what about the everyday small moments?

Here are some things that may prompt you to realize some small things in your life to be grateful for:

• a heating pad or a similarly comforting device
• a stocked pantry
• clean sheets
• well-brewed coffee or tea
• your pet’s love
• a text from someone you care about
• your favorite sports team doing well
• a moment in your day to breathe
• catching a song you like coming on the radio from the beginning
• the market having exactly what you went in craving
• remembering something you used to think was impossible that you can now do with ease
• hearing a funny joke or story
• a new toothbrush
• an accessibility aide you may not have had before that has made your life easier
• a movie you’ve been excited for being released
• access to the internet
• taking your shoes off at the end of the day
• when something you order online has free shipping
• good hair days
• peace and quiet before bed, even if it’s rare
• waking up naturally with no alarm
• getting green traffic lights all the way home
• a short line you don’t have to stand in forever
• when your take out order arrives on-time and perfect
• when you find the perfect gif to respond with in a group chat
• a full bottle of shampoo or conditioner to shower with
• seeing a cute, friendly  dog on the street

Simple doesn’t have to mean superficial. Even though a lot of those things don’t seem like much on their own, recognizing the ways they make your life better or just plain make you happy will add up in your gratefulness journey.  Try and share three things a day you appreciate having for a month and then see if you can take it into the rest of the year.

Peer Health can connect you with a personalized peer community to share provider recommendations, treatment options, and define your best life. Sign up for our beta and newsletter today.