The Art of Moment-to-Moment Gratitude

November always brings mixed emotions for me. I lost my dad just before Thanksgiving, his favorite holiday. For a long time, it was hard for me to ‘be thankful’ or feel gratitude because it became such a powerful reminder. But as time has passed, I’ve allowed my mindset to shift, letting the month hold new meaning for me once again.

Real gratitude doesn’t need to be saved for big milestones or once-a-year celebrations. True gratitude lives in the tiny, everyday moments we might otherwise miss. It’s about seeing magic in the ordinary, feeling a little more alive, and finding calm in the middle of life’s busyness.

One of my favorite ways to practice this? Using my camera phone to capture those little moments of gratitude as I move through the day. It might sound simple, but snapping photos helps me pay closer attention to what’s happening around me. Maybe it’s the way sunlight filters through leaves just right, the smell of coffee brewing, or the warmth of Lucy curling up on her blanket. These snapshots act like bookmarks of appreciation, little reminders of everything that brought me joy throughout the day. By the end of the day, scrolling through these photos lets me reconnect with each moment and all those things that make life feel a little bit brighter.

I think of it as building a visual journal of gratitude—each photo a small reminder that peace and beauty are right there if I slow down to notice them. And it doesn’t take grand scenery or perfect moments; in fact, the simplest scenes can feel the most magical when you’re seeing them with appreciation. Imagine stepping outside and noticing how the cool morning air smells after it rains or how the leaves crackle underfoot. Each of these small things holds a hidden moment of joy, but it takes slowing down and paying attention to really take it in.

Practicing moment-to-moment gratitude is like giving yourself permission to appreciate the little things. And the more we notice and savor these small joys, the richer life becomes. You might be surprised at how this little habit shifts your mood, your energy, and even your relationships. Life feels fuller and more connected when we choose to see beauty in the present and cherish what’s already around us.

So, today—and every day this month—take a breath, let gratitude fill you, and remember to capture those moments, one small discovery at a time. You’ll be amazed at how much you start to notice once you start looking, and just how enchanting life can be.