Seeing 'What Is' Through a Gratitude Lens

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, November invites us to slow down and take

stock of what really matters. Yet it’s often easier to notice what’s missing — the friend we haven’t seen in a while, the energy we wish we had, or the things that didn’t go as planned. Without meaning to, we can drift down Complaint Road, and it’s amazing how quickly that road can darken our mood.

Gratitude, on the other hand, is like taking a detour in the best possible direction. It doesn’t erase the hard stuff, but it changes how we see it. Instead of staring at what isn’t there, gratitude helps us notice what is. When we take a moment to notice the small, good things — the warmth of a blanket, a neighbor’s wave, the smell of something baking in the oven — life feels fuller and more connected.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”— Anonymous

Think of it like putting on your gratitude glasses: a lens that helps you spot blessings hiding in plain sight.

Of course, gratitude takes practice. It’s something we cultivate, not something that just happens. Just like any other muscle, the more we work at it, the stronger it becomes.

Here’s a simple way to start strengthening your gratitude muscle this month: Each day in November, write down or share three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big — a favorite song on the radio, a good laugh, the beauty of the fall leaves. Then take a quiet moment to truly feel thankful for them.

“Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.”— Rumi

You’ll be surprised how this small habit can shift your outlook. The more we practice gratitude, the easier it becomes to see abundance instead of lack, connection instead of distance, and joy instead of worry.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”— Melody Beattie

So as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s all put on our gratitude glasses and take a good look at all that is.