Life gets busy. So busy in fact, that we’re already in November! In this season of gratitude and thanks, I want to share how I stay grounded and present.

Give yourself a space in your home — maybe a comfy chair or quiet corner — an intentional space to take time to reflect. While you’re in this still and quiet space, take time to practice gratitude. If you’re new to a gratitude practice, here are some ways you can easily start.

Why start a gratitude practice?

When we take intentional time to write or say things we’re grateful for, our mind wires to see the positives. Even when things aren’t going great, mentioning even two or three things you’re grateful for can give you a big boost. When we’re appreciative of the things around us (big or small!) it can help improve our relationships, calm our worries, and bring us back to the present moment. There are many ways we can practice gratitude; my favorites are using a gratitude journal, writing thank you cards, or quietly reflecting.

Using a Gratitude Journal

You don’t have to get fancy here. Just head to your cozy spot in the house and grab a piece of paper and a pen. You can buy pre-made Gratitude Journals with listed prompts (these are helpful for those of us who have a tough time staring at a blank piece of paper!) or you can simply find an old notebook lying around the house.

Try to set aside a time each day or week to settle into this reflection space in your home. You can light a candle or play some of your favorite music. When things feel calm and peaceful, begin to list things you’re grateful for. We all have people, opportunities, objects, events and places to be grateful for.

Some days your list might be longer than others. Sometimes it’s a challenge to put even two or three things down. But I guarantee you can find something, and showing appreciation for the littlest of things can make our days a little brighter.

Writing Thank Yous

It’s important to tell people how much we appreciate them. Writing a thank you card — or email or text — can make someone’s day and increase feelings of happiness within yourself.

Just as above, find yourself in a comfortable corner of your home. Choose how you’d like to thank them. You can grab a big pack of thank you cards at the store to have easily accessible (everyone loves receiving snail mail!) or electronic thank yous do the job as well.

Speak from the heart and genuinely share why you’re appreciative. Go into detail about what they did that made you happy. When you share this gratitude with others, you’re nurturing a relationship and building bonds in a positive manner.

When the world gets a little wild and I don’t have the time to write things down, I can always speak my gratitudes. A simple “thank you” goes a long way with my family and friends. As I’m winding down in the evening I can think about the things I’m grateful for.

We all deserve a space in our home that brings us solitude and bliss. When we pair this time with a gratitude practice, our homes are filled with goodness and light!