Gratitude is the act of recognizing and acknowledging the good things that happen, resulting in a state of appreciation (Sansone & Sansone, 2010).

Often when we consider what we are grateful for, overt and profound life experiences, circumstances, and events come to mind. We may feel grateful for our upbringing and family, our job, good health, and the opportunity to gain an education. While recognizing and being grateful for these experiences is important, our gratitude practice must also venture below the surface.

Below the surface, we find all the simple, everyday pleasures that often go unnoticed. This may be the great book we had time to read, the laugh we had with a friend, or maybe even the joy of eating chocolate ice cream in the sunshine. Whatever these simple pleasures may be, consciously expressing our gratitude for them can really help us grow our gratitude practice beyond the surface level.