If someone asked you right now to name five things you're grateful for, I am guessing most of what you list would include the bigger things in life — family, friends, pets, faith, education, basic needs being satisfied — all of which are great, but when do we give gratitude for the little things? A little while back, one of my two older sisters and I were discussing what we pray about at night. I learned our prayers are essentially the same, with the exception of one thing: naming one thing we are grateful for that day. I admire both of my older sisters, so I decided to incorporate this piece of prayer into my nightly routine. Oftentimes, I found myself thanking God for the little things, and I realized how much those pieces of our lives matter too. Here are a few reasons why I am going to continue being grateful for the little things:

1. I have learned to see what can otherwise be overlooked.

Whether it be something in nature, a hot shower or even my favorite study spot, these are only a few examples of several small things that keep my world spinning comfortably. What happens when there are no longer trees to color the world? Or when a shower has ice cold water? How about when someone is in a favorite corner of the library and there is a big exam to study for? These are the things that have the potential to throw my day off. They may not have the same impact as a bigger thing in life, but they can all be the straw that breaks the camel's back. By making myself more conscious of the little things going on around me, I have been able to find a little extra happiness in each day. I have found that happiness translates into several other aspects of life too — relationships, academics, inner happiness, the list goes on.

2. I have learned, yet again, less is more.

It's as simple as that. I would rather spend the night gathered around a bonfire in old clothes with the people I love most instead of going through the scene of nights on the town. Sure, it's fun to get dressed up every once in a while, but it's all about the quality of time you share together.

3. I have learned more about myself.

I have learned my favorite time of day is seven a.m. I find there to be many things just so perfect about this hour: the day is new and fresh, the sun is already smiling bright and a peaceful bubble is keeping the chaos of today's world out.

There really is not much more I can say about being grateful for the little things in life. In one way or another, I feel these reasons can be applied to most of the little things that fill our busy lives. My hope is that your experiences are or will be the same as mine.

"Life is a series of tiny little miracles; notice them."