There are seasons in life where it feels like everything has come undone. Maybe you’ve faced loss, disappointment, or one too many setbacks, and it seems like all the good things have slipped away. I’ve been there too. Those are the moments when gratitude feels far away, almost unreachable. How can you possibly feel grateful when it seems like everything you’ve worked for, dreamed of, or held dear is no longer within your grasp?
It’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and even a little bitter in times like these. But here’s what I’ve realized: even in the hardest seasons, even when you feel like you’ve lost it all, there are still small moments of gratefulness waiting to be found. The key is shifting how we look at things—starting with the tiniest, most overlooked parts of life. Because sometimes, it’s the small things that carry us through the toughest days.
Gratefulness in the Small Things
When life feels heavy, it’s easy to overlook the little things that are still good. We get so focused on what we’ve lost that we forget what we still have, even if it seems insignificant in comparison. But here’s the thing: those small moments are where gratitude begins. It doesn’t have to be grand or life-changing—it just has to be real.
1. Start with What’s Right in Front of You
In the darkest moments, it can be hard to think of anything to be grateful for, so start with something simple. It might be as small as the warmth of your morning coffee or the quiet stillness before the day begins. Maybe it’s a kind word from a friend or the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the window. These moments don’t fix everything, but they offer a reminder that not all is lost. Sometimes, just noticing what’s right in front of you is enough to spark a sense of gratefulness.
2. Look for the Ordinary Magic
When you feel like everything has been taken from you, the ordinary can become extraordinary. The soft sound of rain on the roof, the smell of fresh laundry, the way a favorite song lifts your spirit even for just a moment—these are the moments of magic hidden in the mundane. When everything else feels out of control, these small, steady parts of life remind you that not everything is lost.
3. Gratitude in Connection
Even when you feel like you’ve lost it all, chances are there are still people in your life who care. Maybe it’s a friend who texts to check in, a neighbor who smiles at you in passing, or even a stranger who holds the door open for you. Connection, no matter how small, can be a powerful source of gratitude. When the weight of the world feels unbearable, the kindness of others can be a lifeline. It reminds us that we’re not alone, even when it feels like it.
4. Grateful for the Resilience You Didn’t Know You Had
Sometimes, the thing to be grateful for is your own strength. Even if you don’t feel strong right now, the fact that you’re still standing, still trying, is something to be thankful for. Gratefulness can come from recognizing your own resilience—the way you’ve survived, the way you’ve kept moving even when it felt impossible. It’s easy to overlook this when you’re hurting, but give yourself credit for how far you’ve come, even if you’re not where you want to be yet.
Letting Gratitude Be Enough
Finding small moments of gratitude doesn’t mean everything will suddenly be okay, or that the pain will disappear. Life will still be hard, and the losses you’ve faced are real and valid. But allowing yourself to feel even the smallest bit of gratitude can shift something inside of you. It’s like a tiny spark in the darkness—a reminder that even in the midst of loss, there’s still light.
And here’s the thing: gratitude doesn’t have to feel big or overwhelming. It can be just enough to help you get through the day. Maybe today, you’re grateful for that one deep breath that gave you a moment of calm. Maybe tomorrow, you’ll find something else. The important thing is to let these small moments be enough for now. They’re not going to take away all the hurt, but they can soften the edges of it.
Moving Forward with Gratitude
When you feel like you’ve lost it all, it’s easy to believe there’s nothing left to be grateful for. But the truth is, even in the hardest moments, there are small things—tiny glimmers of goodness—that can remind you of what’s still here.
Now, I know this may sound simple—just find a few things to be grateful for and you’ll feel better—but the truth is, it takes time and effort every single day. Gratitude is a practice, and on some days, it feels like the hardest thing in the world to do. It requires intentional work to shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s still present. Some days, it’ll feel like you’re forcing it, and that’s okay. On those days, even the smallest bit of gratitude matters. It’s a slow process, and it doesn’t happen all at once.
So when it feels like everything is gone, pause. Look around. There’s something—maybe something small, maybe something quiet—that’s still here, waiting to be noticed. And in that moment, however brief, you’ll find your way back to gratefulness, even when it feels impossible. One small, thankful breath at a time.
