By Crystal Amon – PrincessCrystalSays.com
Gratitude. It’s a word we hear all the time—on Pinterest quotes, in wellness journals, even in sermons. But what does it really mean to live in gratitude every day? And more importantly, how do we actually practice it when life is heavy, painful, or just plain messy?
I’ve learned the hard way that gratitude isn’t just about being thankful when things are going well. It’s about finding a sliver of light, even on the darkest days. It’s an intentional mindset, a way of seeing the world that shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s present.
So today, I’m sharing how I personally practice gratitude every single day—simple steps that have helped me shift my energy, protect my peace, and reconnect with what truly matters.
🌞 1. I Start My Morning with Thanks
Before I scroll my phone, check emails, or even get out of bed, I name three things I’m grateful for. It might be as small as waking up pain-free or as big as another chance to live my purpose.
This quiet moment helps me anchor the day in gratitude—not stress.
📓 2. I Keep a Simple Gratitude Journal
Every night, I jot down one to three things I appreciated that day. Some days it’s deep—like reconnecting with a loved one. Other days, it’s “I made it through the day without giving up.”
There’s no pressure to write paragraphs. Just a few words to remind myself that even on hard days, there’s still good to be found.
💬 3. I Say Thank You—Often and Honestly
I try to thank the people around me in real time:
The friend who checks in The nurse who smiles The stranger who holds the door
And I don’t just say “thank you” out of habit—I say it with my heart. Gratitude grows when you speak it out loud.
🧠 4. I Shift My Inner Dialogue
Some days, my chronic pain, trauma, or mental exhaustion want to steal the show. But I’ve learned to flip my internal script. When I catch myself complaining, I gently ask, “But what am I learning? What can I still be thankful for?”
It’s not toxic positivity. It’s gentle reframing. And it makes a huge difference.
🕯️ 5. I Create Sacred Moments
Whether it’s lighting a candle, cuddling with my pet, sipping my favorite tea, or listening to uplifting music—I slow down and let those moments wash over me with appreciation.
Gratitude lives in the quiet spaces we often rush past.
🍽️ 6. I Practice Thankfulness Over Meals
Food is sacred. Whether I’m eating a home-cooked meal or a microwave dinner, I pause to say, “Thank you for this nourishment.” It’s a small ritual, but it grounds me in the present and reminds me of provision.
🌿 7. I Look for Tiny Joys in My Day
I’ve trained myself to notice the small beautiful things:
A bird singing outside The color of the sky at sunset A good hair day A deep belly laugh
These are the threads of daily joy that weave a more thankful life.
💌 8. I Write Down the Good
Sometimes I grab a sticky note and write something good that happened and put it on my wall or in a jar. When I’m struggling, I read them and remember: joy still exists, and so does hope.
📱 9. I Set a Daily Gratitude Reminder
Yes, I literally have a reminder on my phone that pops up every evening:
“What are you grateful for right now?”
It takes 10 seconds. But it resets my focus—and sometimes, it’s exactly the nudge I need.
🧘♀️ 10. I Let Gratitude Be My Compass
Gratitude isn’t just an act. It’s a mindset. A spiritual anchor. A healing practice. A rebellion against despair. When I feel overwhelmed or lost, I come back to one question:
What is still good right now?
That one question has saved me more times than I can count.
Final Thoughts: Gratitude Is a Daily Choice
I’m not saying it’s easy. Life is hard, and some seasons are brutal. But choosing to practice gratitude—even in the tiniest way—can help soften the edges, clear the fog, and give your heart room to breathe.
Gratitude won’t fix everything. But it will change how you move through everything.
So if you’re reading this right now, know this:
You woke up. You’re here. You’re trying. That alone is something to be thankful for.
With love and gratitude,
Crystal Amon
Princess Crystal Says 
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