150 Short Gratitude Quotes for Daily Practice
Boost your mood with 150 short gratitude quotes. Perfect for daily practice, journaling, or quick reminders to stay thankful for life's blessings.
Last Tuesday, I found myself staring at a pile of dishes, a blinking cursor on an empty screen, and a general sense of being “stuck.” It wasn’t a major crisis, just one of those days where the weight of daily life felt a bit too heavy. I’ve found that in these moments, my brain tends to default to what’s missing rather than what’s present.
I decided to stop, take a breath, and look for just three things to be thankful for. I chose the warmth of my coffee mug, the way the light hit the window, and the fact that I had a quiet house for ten minutes. It’s a small habit, but these “espresso shots” of wisdom—as I like to call short quotes—remind me that gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff; it’s about noticing the good stuff that’s already there.
In this collection, I’ve gathered 150 short gratitude quotes that are perfect for a quick morning boost or a mid-day reset. These aren’t just words on a page; they are tools I keep in my mental toolkit to shift my perspective when things feel out of focus.
Short Gratitude Quotes for Your Morning Routine
Starting your day with a grateful heart changes how you see every hour that follows. I’ve found that reading a few quick words of thanks before I even check my email helps me set a proactive, rather than reactive, tone for the day. It’s about creating a “gratitude baseline” that you can return to when things get hectic. For more ways to integrate these into your morning, check out our gratitude quotes for journaling.
“When I wake up in the morning, I like to express my gratitude for being on the planet.” — Trudie Styler
There’s something powerful about simply acknowledging your existence as a gift before the day’s demands rush in.
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” — Meister Eckhart
This is a reminder that we don’t need complex rituals; simplicity is often the most profound form of spiritual practice.
“When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.” — Tecumseh
Gratitude for the basics—food and life itself—provides a solid foundation for everything else.
“This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.” — Maya Angelou
I love this perspective because it treats every single morning as a brand-new, unrepeatable opportunity.
“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Waking up and immediately thinking of the people who support you is a beautiful way to start.
“I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night.” — Irving Berlin
A classic reminder that the most consistent blessings in our lives are often the ones we take for granted.
“Always have an attitude of gratitude.” — Sterling K. Brown
It sounds simple, but maintaining this “attitude” is a conscious choice we make every single morning.
“Every minute of every hour of every day you are making the world… do it with generosity and kindness.” — Rebecca Solnit
This quote reminds me that my morning mindset influences how I interact with the world all day long.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings.” — William Arthur Ward
We don’t have to wait for a holiday to feel deeply thankful for what we have.
“Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.” — Rumi
I imagine putting on gratitude like a physical garment each morning to protect me from negativity.
“Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.” — Gertrude Stein
This is a nudge to not just feel grateful, but to express it to the people around us early in the day.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Jean Baptiste Massieu
Our hearts remember the kindnesses shown to us, and the morning is the perfect time to reflect on those memories.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” — Karl Barth
When you feel a spark of morning joy, recognize it as an act of being thankful.
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation.” — The Dalai Lama
Without appreciation, our other virtues struggle to grow; it is the fundamental “soil” of a good life.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Aesop
Before you start wanting more, take a moment to realize that what you have right now is already plenty.
“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” — Buddha
Gratitude for the “rebirth” of a new day helps us focus on the present moment.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” — Cicero
If you start with gratitude, all the other virtues like patience and kindness tend to follow naturally.
“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.” — Henry Ward Beecher
A reminder that the beauty we see in the morning is a universal gift for everyone to enjoy.
“Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.” — Hausa Proverb
Starting small is the secret. One tiny “thank you” can expand your entire outlook.
“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.” — Charlotte Brontë
I’ve found that morning gratitude brings a steady, gentle warmth rather than an overwhelming rush.
“Morning is when I am awake and there is a dawn in me.” — Henry David Thoreau
Gratitude helps that internal “dawn” shine brighter every single day.
“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart.” — Unknown
Making the choice as soon as you wake up is the most effective way to stay consistent.
Inspiring Words to Practice Daily Gratitude Habits
Building a habit of thankfulness is a bit like strength training for the soul. When I first started a daily gratitude practice, it felt a little forced, like I was trying to find things to be happy about. But over time, it became a reflex. I started noticing the “background” blessings that I used to ignore. If you’re looking for more ways to stay consistent, our thankful quotes for everyday blessings are a great resource. Understanding the science behind this can also be helpful, as noted by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” — William Faulkner
You can’t just “have” gratitude; you have to actively create it and use it every single day.
“The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” — Charles Schwab
This applies to ourselves as well. Practicing self-appreciation daily helps us grow in the right direction.
“Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say ‘thank you’ to everyone you meet.” — Brian Tracy
The habit of verbalizing your thanks reinforces the internal feeling of being grateful.
“Make it a habit to tell people thank you.” — Ralph Marston
Consistent expression makes gratitude a permanent part of your personality rather than a fleeting emotion.
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness.” — Amy Collette
Think of it as the spark that starts the engine of your daily joy.
“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness.” — Henri Frederic Amiel
It’s a process that starts with a simple “thanks” and grows into a deep, abiding state of being.
“Gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action.” — Janice Kaplan
If we don’t act on our gratitude—by writing it down or saying it—the feeling often fades.
“Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.” — Albert Schweitzer
The more you “train” your brain to act immediately, the more natural the habit becomes.
“Gratitude is an antidote to negative emotions.” — Sonja Lyubomirsky
When I’m feeling frustrated, I use gratitude as a “medicine” to neutralize the negativity.
“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.” — Neal A. Maxwell
A daily habit isn’t just about listing things; it’s about letting those blessings change how we live.
“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” — Robert Braathe
We choose our habit every day. It’s not something that happens to us; it’s something we do.
“The habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you… give thanks continuously.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
This “continuous” thanks is what transforms a simple list into a way of life.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have… is the foundation for all abundance.” — Eckhart Tolle
You can’t build a life of “more” if you don’t appreciate the “already.”
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.” — Oprah Winfrey
Focusing on abundance creates a habit of seeing opportunity everywhere.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.” — Zig Ziglar
Just like eating well or exercising, practicing gratitude is a vital part of our mental health routine.
“Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we might see the blessing we possess.” — Max Lucado
It’s a daily recalibration of our internal compass.
“Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves.” — Fredd De Witt Amburgh
We have an infinite supply of thankfulness; we just have to choose to “spend” it.
“No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.” — James Allen
When we prioritize gratitude, our other “duties” feel much lighter and more manageable.
“Appreciation can make a day—even change a life.” — Margaret Cousins
One small habit of appreciation can have a massive ripple effect on those around you.
“Gratitude is not just a virtue, but a way of living.” — Unknown
This is the ultimate goal: moving from “doing” gratitude to “being” grateful.
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Like a garden, gratitude needs regular attention and “watering” to stay healthy.
“I think gratitude is a big thing. It puts you in a place where you’re humble.” — Andra Day
Daily practice keeps our egos in check and reminds us of our connection to others.
Powerful One-Liners for Cultivating a Grateful Heart
Sometimes, you don’t need a long essay on the philosophy of thankfulness. You just need a single, punchy line that cuts through the noise and reminds you of what’s important. I keep a few of these written on sticky notes around my desk. They serve as “pattern interrupters” when I start spiraling into stress. For more concentrated wisdom like this, see our collection of quotes about gratitude and happiness. The Harvard Health Publishing team has also explored how these simple shifts can significantly impact well-being.
“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” — Jacques Maritain
It’s the highest level of respect we can show to the world and the people in it.
“Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.” — Doris Day
This one-liner perfectly summarizes the financial impact of our internal state.
“The root of joy is gratefulness.” — David Steindl-Rast
Without gratitude, joy has no place to take hold and grow.
“Enough is a feast.” — Buddhist Proverb
This is perhaps the most powerful four words you can say when you’re feeling overwhelmed by “not enough.”
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” — Aesop
It shows a depth of character that goes beyond mere surface-level manners.
“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness.” — James E. Faust
All great achievements start with an appreciation for the tools and opportunities already available.
“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift.” — John Ortberg
It’s a shift from seeing life as a series of chores to seeing it as a series of presents.
“Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.” — Lucius Annaeus Seneca
True honor isn’t found in what we take, but in how we appreciate what we’ve been given. For more concentrated inspiration, explore our list of short quotes about gratitude for daily practice.
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” — Henry Ward Beecher
It is the most beautiful thing a person can produce from within themselves.
“Gratitude turns denial into acceptance.” — Melody Beattie
It helps us stop fighting reality and start working with it.
“A grateful mind is a great mind.” — Plato
Wisdom and gratitude are inseparable; you cannot have one without the other.
“Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” — Gilbert C. Chesterton
It’s not just being glad; it’s being amazed that we get to experience these things at all.
“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” — G.B. Stern
A short, sharp reminder that we need to speak our thanks out loud.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Jean Baptiste Massieu
It’s a beautiful way to think about how we store our most positive experiences.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.” — Zig Ziglar
A simple medical fact for the mind: thankfulness heals.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues.” — Cicero
It is the foundation upon which all other good qualities are built.
“Gratitude is a divine emotion.” — Charlotte Brontë
It connects us to something larger than ourselves in an instant.
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” — Aesop
It is a mark of true maturity and emotional intelligence.
“Gratitude is riches.” — Doris Day
If you have thankfulness, you are already wealthy, regardless of your bank balance.
“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” — Jacques Maritain
It is the ultimate way to honor the people and the world around us.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Unknown
Simple, elegant, and profoundly true.
“Gratitude is the root of all joy.” — Unknown
When you feel joy, look down; you’ll find gratitude at the base of it.
Uplifting Quotes to Boost Your Mood Through Thankfulness
We all have those “low-vibe” afternoons where everything feels a bit gray. When my mood starts to dip, I’ve found that forcing myself to find even one small thing to appreciate can act like a dimmer switch, slowly turning up the light. It’s not about fake positivity; it’s about choosing to look at a different part of the picture. If you need a quick mood lift, our short happiness quotes pair perfectly with these gratitude practices. Research from the Mayo Clinic Health System confirms that expressing gratitude can actually improve our physical health and mood.
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out.” — Kristin Armstrong
I love this imagery—gratitude literally pushes back the feelings of letdown.
“The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.” — Mary Davis
It’s like cleaning a dirty lens; once the gratitude is there, the world just looks brighter.
“It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.” — Unknown
We often get the order wrong. We wait to be happy to say thanks, when saying thanks is what makes us happy.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” — Melody Beattie
It opens doors to experiences and feelings that remain locked when we are in a state of complaint.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more.” — Melody Beattie
It creates a sense of abundance that immediately boosts your spirits.
“If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness.” — Gerald Good
It’s the simplest, most effective “life hack” for a mood reset.
“Gratitude doesn’t change the scenery. It merely washes clean the glass.” — Richelle E. Goodrich
The situation might be the same, but how you feel about it changes completely.
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” — Anthony Robbins
Gratitude and fear cannot inhabit the same space in your mind at the same time.
“Gratitude is one of the most medicinal emotions we can feel.” — Sara Avant Stover
It is a natural antidepressant that we can access at any moment for free.
“Gratitude will shift you to a higher frequency.” — Rhonda Byrne
It literally changes the “vibe” you are putting out into the world.
“An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” — Yogi Bhajan
Positivity attracts positivity; it’s a simple law of emotional physics.
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one.” — Douglas Wood
You cannot feel truly thankful and deeply unhappy simultaneously.
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful.” — Will Arnett
It’s an active choice we make to lift our own spirits.
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness.” — Amy Collette
It speeds up the process of moving from a bad mood to a good one.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” — Karl Barth
When you find something to be joyful about, you are practicing gratitude in its purest form.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.” — Zig Ziglar
It clears out the mental “clutter” that keeps us feeling down.
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation.” — The Dalai Lama
Appreciation is the foundation of a positive and resilient mind.
“Gratitude turns routine jobs into joy.” — William Arthur Ward
It can even make the most boring chores feel like a meaningful part of your day.
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson
A simple shift in focus can lead to a complete transformation of your daily experience.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Jean Baptiste Massieu
Recalling the good things that have happened to us is a sure-fire way to boost our mood.
“Always have an attitude of gratitude.” — Sterling K. Brown
It’s a mantra I repeat to myself when the day starts to feel heavy.
“Enough is a feast.” — Buddhist Proverb
When you realize you have enough, the pressure to “do more” vanishes, and joy takes its place.
Encouraging Words for Finding Joy in Small Things
With how quickly life moves these days, we’re often taught to wait for the “big” wins—the promotion, the vacation, the new house. But I’ve found that the vast majority of my happiness comes from the tiny, overlooked moments. The smell of rain on hot pavement, the perfect song coming on the radio, or a shared look with a friend. These quotes remind me to keep my “gratitude radar” tuned to the small frequencies. For more inspiration on this, explore our quotes about finding joy.
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault
This is probably the most important reminder for anyone living a busy life.
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.” — A.A. Milne
You don’t need a grand life to feel a grand sense of thankfulness.
“When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” — Vietnamese Proverb
This helps us find connection and gratitude in the most basic, everyday actions.
“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.” — Henry Ward Beecher
Look up and realize that the entire sky is a gift being given to everyone, every day.
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” — Douglas Wood
Wisdom is simply the ability to appreciate what is right in front of you.
“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” — Germany Kent
The “small” things eventually fill up so much space that the “voids” don’t seem so big anymore.
“No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.” — James Allen
Even for the smallest kindness, a “thank you” is the most important thing you can do.
“Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.” — Gertrude Stein
Don’t let those small moments of appreciation stay locked inside; share them.
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder
Consciousness of the small things is what makes life feel truly lived.
“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift.” — John Ortberg
Even the small, repetitive parts of life can be seen as presents if we look closely enough.
“The root of joy is gratefulness.” — David Steindl-Rast
If you want more joy, don’t look for more things; look for more ways to be grateful for the things you have.
“Enough is a feast.” — Buddhist Proverb
When we realize the small things are “enough,” we are suddenly surrounded by a banquet.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Jean Baptiste Massieu
Our hearts should be a museum of small, beautiful moments.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” — Karl Barth
That little spark you feel when you see a sunset? That’s gratitude.
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation.” — The Dalai Lama
Start with appreciating the small, and the large goodness will grow on its own.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Aesop
Even the smallest meal or the shortest rest can be enough if we are thankful for it.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues.” — Cicero
It is the parent of all the small, daily acts of kindness we perform.
“Gratitude is a divine emotion.” — Charlotte Brontë
It turns a common moment into something sacred.
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” — Aesop
Nobility isn’t about rank; it’s about how we treat the small blessings in our lives.
“Gratitude is riches.” — Doris Day
The person who enjoys the small things is far wealthier than the person who ignores them.
“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” — Jacques Maritain
It is how we say “I see you” to the world.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Unknown
Let your heart remember the small kindnesses today.
Wise Sayings on the Transformative Power of Appreciation
Gratitude isn’t just a “nice” feeling; it’s a transformative force. I’ve seen it change people’s entire personalities. Someone who was once bitter and focused on their misfortunes can, through the consistent practice of appreciation, become someone who radiates peace and strength. It’s like a chemical reaction in the soul. These wise words capture that power. To delve deeper into how this impacts our relationships, see our relationship quotes about trust.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings.” — William Arthur Ward
It changes the very nature of time and how we experience our schedule.
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness.” — Amy Collette
It doesn’t just wait for happiness; it creates it through its presence.
“The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” — Dr. Robert Holden
The world doesn’t change, but because you have changed, everything looks different.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” — Cicero
It is the generative force behind patience, kindness, and courage.
“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged.” — William Faulkner
It is an active energy that must move through us to have power.
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out.” — Kristin Armstrong
It has a physical-like effect on our emotional state, clearing out the negative.
“Gratitude turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.” — Melody Beattie
It is the ultimate organizing principle for a scattered mind.
“Gratitude will shift you to a higher frequency.” — Rhonda Byrne
It transforms your internal state into one of receptivity and peace.
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” — Anthony Robbins
It is the most effective weapon we have against anxiety and “lack” mindsets.
“Gratitude doesn’t change the scenery. It merely washes clean the glass.” — Richelle E. Goodrich
Transformation starts with how we see, not necessarily what we have.
“An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” — Yogi Bhajan
It is a magnet for positive experiences and meaningful connections.
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one.” — Douglas Wood
Transformation is as simple as a shift from complaining to thanking.
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful.” — Will Arnett
We transform ourselves through the choices we make every day.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.” — Zig Ziglar
It has the power to heal old wounds and transform our future.
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation.” — The Dalai Lama
If you want a good life, you must first transform the soil of your mind.
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson
The most powerful transformations often come from the simplest changes in focus.
“Always have an attitude of gratitude.” — Sterling K. Brown
Consistency is what makes the transformation permanent.
“Enough is a feast.” — Buddhist Proverb
Realizing you have enough is the ultimate transformation from a life of “wanting” to a life of “having.”
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Jean Baptiste Massieu
It transforms our past from a list of regrets into a list of gifts.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” — Karl Barth
Transformation can be found in the smallest moments of unadulterated joy.
“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift.” — John Ortberg
This single realization can transform your entire experience of being alive.
“Gratitude is the root of all joy.” — Unknown
Deep joy is only possible for those who have been transformed by gratitude.
Simple Reminders to Stay Grateful During Difficult Times
It’s easy to be thankful when everything is going right. The real test—and the real power—of gratitude comes when things are going wrong. I’ve found that during my darkest weeks, finding even one tiny thing to be grateful for wasn’t just a “nice” exercise; it was a lifeline. It reminded me that the darkness wasn’t the only thing happening. For more support during tough stretches, our perseverance quotes for tough times can provide additional strength.
“Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we might see the blessing we possess.” — Max Lucado
When everything feels like it’s missing, this shift is what keeps us from sinking.
“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” — John Wooden
Gratitude during difficulty is about finding the “best” in the current “worst.”
“Let us rise up and be thankful… at least we didn’t get sick… at least we didn’t die.” — Buddha
Sometimes, when life is hard, we have to look for the most basic, fundamental things to be thankful for.
“O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” — William Shakespeare
When you feel like you have nothing, you can still ask for the strength to be grateful for life itself.
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness.” — Amy Collette
Even a small spark of thankfulness can help you start climbing out of a dark hole.
“Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is the true prosperity.” — Eckhart Tolle
Even in a difficult situation, the “fullness” of the present moment is still available to you.
“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Written from a prison cell, this is one of the most powerful reminders that gratitude is possible in any circumstance.
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” — Anthony Robbins
During tough times, fear is our biggest enemy; gratitude is the most effective shield against it.
“Gratitude doesn’t change the scenery. It merely washes clean the glass.” — Richelle E. Goodrich
The situation might still be hard, but your ability to handle it with clarity increases.
“An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” — Yogi Bhajan
Staying grateful during a storm is what allows you to see the lighthouse.
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one.” — Douglas Wood
Even if it’s a small, quiet happiness, it is still better than the alternative.
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful.” — Will Arnett
When things are hard, gratitude is a choice that takes real courage and strength.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.” — Zig Ziglar
It keeps our minds healthy even when our circumstances are not.
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation.” — The Dalai Lama
If you want goodness to return to your life, keep the soil of your mind appreciative.
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson
A reminder that even the deepest valleys have a path out if you look for the light.
“Always have an attitude of gratitude.” — Sterling K. Brown
It’s the anchor that keeps you from drifting away during a storm.
“Enough is a feast.” — Buddhist Proverb
When life is hard, realizing you have “enough” to survive the day is a profound victory.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” — Jean Baptiste Massieu
Remember the times you’ve made it through before; that is an act of gratitude for your own resilience.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” — Karl Barth
Even a tiny moment of laughter during a difficult time is a form of being thankful.
“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift.” — John Ortberg
Even a difficult gift can contain a lesson or a strength you didn’t know you had.
“Gratitude is the root of all joy.” — Unknown
Wait for the joy to return, and keep the roots of gratitude alive in the meantime.
“Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.” — Hausa Proverb
In hard times, start with the smallest “little” you can find.
Practicing Gratitude in Your Daily Life
I hope these 150 short gratitude quotes serve as a reminder that thankfulness isn’t a grand gesture reserved for big occasions. It is a quiet, steady practice that we can carry with us into every room we enter and every conversation we have.
I’ve found that the best way to use these quotes is to pick one each morning—just one—and let it be your “lens” for the day. If you choose “Enough is a feast,” look for all the ways you have “enough” throughout your afternoon. If you choose “Gratitude is the memory of the heart,” spend a few minutes thinking about someone who helped you years ago.
Gratitude doesn’t make the challenges of life disappear, but it does make them easier to carry. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger, that we are supported, and that even on our hardest days, there is always, always something to be thankful for.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your practice, I highly recommend checking out some of our other collections, like wise quotes about life lessons or inspirational quotes for difficult days. Remember, as the team at Psychology Today suggests, the more we practice, the more our brains literally re-wire themselves for happiness.