Natasha Combrink
Being grateful isn’t just about saying thank you for the big, life-changing moments. It’s also about appreciating the small, seemingly standard parts of everyday life.
Some people never even think about doing this, while others are experts!
You know how adding sprinkles to a vanilla ice cream suddenly makes it seem brighter and sweeter?
Well, people who appreciate the little things live with this mental image daily.
And it’s all thanks to their specific characteristics.
Curious to know what these are?
First off…
1) They’re less materialistic.
Grateful people tend to find happiness in many things others might consider ordinary.
So, instead of constantly looking for satisfaction through material possessions, they get it from experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
This perspective shifts their values from what they can own to what they can go through.
It can be nice to have the latest gadgets, the newest car, or whatever in seven different colors.
This doesn’t instantly make you a materialistic snob who doesn’t care about the little things in life.
But people who genuinely do just care about earthly possessions less.
They’re happiest when they can laugh with friends, experience a quiet morning, or eat breakfast at their favorite coffee shop.
Instead of material wealth, they grow a sense of abundance within.
This is also why…
2) They’re more generous than most.
People who are grateful for the little things in life usually also have the biggest hearts.
They’re the friends who remember you said you liked a particular candy three months ago and then surprise you with it just because.
And the ones who always carry an extra hat in case someone forgot theirs.
You’ll also see them at the front of the line when someone needs volunteers.
It’s not about showing off. They just want to spread love and make others feel as happy as they do.
These gratitude-filled people don’t keep score, either.
They give without expecting anything in return, not even a thank you.
It’s like generosity is their default setting.
Sharing their time, resources, or even a kind word comes naturally because they recognize the value in every gesture, big or small.
Want to know what they get from being this way, anyway?
3) They have better relationships.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying people who dig the little joys in life never experience heartbreak.
In fact, it’s often their ability to be thankful for minor things that make people put in less effort.
But the kind of vibes they bring to relationships tend to improve them.
They’re the ones who remember to send you an extra sweet message when you’re feeling down.
The ones who celebrate your tiny victories with you.
The ones who really pay attention to the small stuff, making them great to be around!
They really listen when you talk and don’t just wait for their turn. And they’re present, making you feel heard and valued.
That’s gold in any relationship!
The best part?
Their gratitude attitude is contagious! Most people around them will start to notice the small things and reciprocate their thoughtful actions, too.
Being with someone who appreciates the little moments and things doesn’t just brighten your day – it enriches your whole relationship with them.
4) They have a deeper or philosophical perspective on life.
Grateful people always seem tuned into a different frequency. Like they’re seeing layers and connections that the average person might overlook.
While the rest of us are caught up in the hustle, they’re pausing to study the lines on a leaf or really take in the beauty of a sunset.
It’s pretty cool, actually.
These kinds of people have a deep, sometimes philosophical outlook.
They’re typically the ones you can have long, winding conversations with, where you start talking about what happened during your day and somehow end up discussing why childbirth is accompanied by pain.
They find lessons and insights in seemingly simple experiences, drawing parallels that make you go, “Huh, I never thought of it like that.”
And it’s this ability to see beyond the surface that makes them grateful for the little things because they understand the complex web of events, decisions, and luck that had to happen for moments to exist.
5) They’re healthier!
Yup, you read that right!
Just take a look around you…
Most people I know who are bitter and mad, thinking that life is just about making money, have some kind of health problem.
I know there could be super grateful people who have these too.
All I’m saying is that when someone soaks up the little things and moments that can make them happy, it does wonders for their stress levels.
And less stress means their body isn’t always in that high-alert mode, which is incredibly good for the heart, the immune system – you name it!
This isn’t just about physical health, either.
Their mental game is strong.
Focusing on the positive and being grateful can be like a natural mood booster.
They usually sleep better, too, because their mind isn’t always racing with a million worries at bedtime.
And good sleep is like the ultimate recharge for your body.
Plus, when you’re feeling good mentally and physically, you’re more likely to make healthier choices, like going for a walk or choosing that salad over fries.
Okay, maybe they’ll still have fries, but balance, you know?
Simply put, because they’re so grateful for the little things, they spend their time with a better outlook on life.
And this alone helps them make better choices for their health.
6) They’re optimistic.
Gratitude really does go hand in hand with optimism.
People who look for the small things to appreciate filter out the gloom and zoom in on the silver lining.
And what’s cool is that this optimistic outlook isn’t just about being blindly positive.
It’s more about believing that even the smallest good thing can be a stepping stone to something bigger and better.
When stuff goes sideways, instead of getting bummed out, they’re the ones shrugging it off and saying, “Well, there’s gotta be something good coming out of this.”
And because they’re always looking for things to be grateful for, they naturally lean into hope and positivity, which keeps the cycle of optimism going strong.
Hanging out with someone who’s got this optimistic gratitude vibe can be downright infectious.
You’ll also start spotting opportunities where you once saw obstacles, and before you know it, you’ll feel a bit more hopeful about the future, too.
7) They’re mindful.
People who are grateful for the small things practically live in high-definition! They notice all the bits and pieces of life many of us gloss over in our rush from point A to B.
These kinda people know how to be present in the moment, fully soaking in their experiences, whether it’s a first sip of coffee in the morning or feeling the sun on their face during a quick break.
But for them, mindfulness isn’t just about enjoying the good moments, though.
It also means they’re really in tune with their feelings and thoughts, even the not-so-great ones. Instead of getting swept away by life’s ups and downs, they manage to stay anchored, observing their emotions without letting them take the wheel.
Here’s the best part: being mindful and emotionally aware boosts gratitude levels.
Grateful people who practice mindfulness constantly find new things to appreciate.
It’s like their mindfulness feeds their gratitude, and gratitude feeds mindfulness.
Being around them can feel like a breath of fresh air, gently reminding you to slow down and notice the magic in the ordinary.
People who appreciate the little things and moments will lift your spirits and help you experience more peace.
If you know someone like this, try to keep them around.
