Gratitude for All Things Big and Small

A few years ago, during COVD, I started recording one or two things about the day for which I was grateful. I have written about the bright red cardinal outside my window, the blooming pink camellias in my backyard, the full moon I sometimes sneak outside to see in the middle of the night, and even listening to my cat’s purr. I mentioned this practice to my daughter on a hike one afternoon and she commented that “it is the little things” that we notice each day that can add up to make a big difference in our lives and in our outlook in general.

I started adding this practice into my classes during the week of Thanksgiving a couple of years ago, and it has become one of my favorite activities of the semester. I love how my students openly share their gratitude for all things big and small such as family, friends, parents, siblings, teachers, teammates, rest, our beautiful campus, sunshine, coffee, the end of midterms, fall break, the changing colors in Duke Gardens, and the opportunities and experiences they have had as Duke students. I have started adding the sharing of gratitude to my classes regularly, sometimes while going through attendance, other times while we will all hold a plank and shout out what we are thankful for. It always tends to bring us together no matter what else is happening elsewhere.

Gratitude is an appreciation of the things we receive, whether they are tangible or intangible. It is also an acknowledgement of the good in our lives that lies outside ourselves, something larger. Research shows that gratitude is associated with greater happiness, better mental and physical health, higher levels of optimism, and stronger relationships.

I am so grateful for my wonderful students and the opportunity to work with them, but also to get to know them, as I teach and guide them. I, too, am grateful also for our beautiful campus and the vast array of activities and experiences which are offered to each of us. During this week of giving thanks, don’t overlook the little things!