Finding gratitude in the smallest parts of life can really make a difference in your ultimate happiness and well-being. It is easy to believe that you depict and depend on gratitude and thankfulness in all aspects of your life, but is that really the case? This summer I decided to focus on being appreciative of the small things, every day.

It is not the big blessings that only count – a new promotion, an outstanding exam grade, or the vacation of your dreams, but the little things, too. The smell of the crisp morning air, your favorite pillow, the fact that you didn’t flip off the guy that stole your parking spot – those small bits of life you can be thankful for, too. Showing gratitude and recognition for the small things will really make each day feel like a blessing.

The finest way to practice good gratitude? With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there is no better time to start a gratitude journal. Each day take some time to think of what you’re thankful for, what went well during your day and what you could do better to show your appreciation tomorrow. You can simply write three things each day that made you happy. You could get creative and glue or draw pictures of what you were thankful for that day. You can even purchase a journal with prompts to help you practice gratitude. The important part is not so much how you're doing it, just the fact that you are taking the time to show your thanks. Not every day is perfect, not too often will nothing go wrong, problems occur and circumstances can’t be avoided, but it is how we face those that matter the most.