How I embrace gratitude by giving thanks for things great and small.
As the seasons shift, bringing cooler temperatures and leaves fall from the trees, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on gratitude. Life often feels like a race to the next milestone, but when we slow down and appreciate the small joys woven into our daily routines, we uncover a deeper contentment. Giving thanks, after all, begins with noticing the simple pleasures in life—the moments we might otherwise overlook.
Finding Joy in the Simple Things
For me, gratitude comes naturally because I have always found joy in the small, often mundane moments of life. Growing up in Eastern Europe, where resources were scarce and luxuries were few, I learned to find happiness in what was available. We didn’t own much, and our country wasn’t thriving, but those challenges taught me to see beauty in simplicity.
When I moved to the United States, I promised myself never to take the abundance and opportunities here for granted. I give thanks for living in this country, surrounded by blessings both big and small. Gratitude became my compass, guiding me to notice the little things—like the way sunlight streams through my kitchen window or the fresh, crisp winter air on a morning walk.
Lessons from Paris: Savoring Life’s Everyday Pleasures
During my college years, I lived in Paris as an au pair, and the French way of life wove itself into the fabric of my soul. There’s a quiet magic in how the French find joy in the everyday, turning even the smallest moments into
something exquisite. Whether it’s arranging plums on a tarte or savoring a nightly slice of Camembert paired with a fresh baguette and rich red wine, their rituals carry an elegance that feels almost sacred.
In France, I discovered the art of truly savoring life’s pleasures. I learned to taste wine with intention, appreciate the layers of a fine perfume, relish the indulgence of three-hour dinners, and discern the nuances between different cheeses. Under the guidance of Madame Duboise, the charming lady of the house where I stayed, I uncovered the joy of decoding seasonal fragrances, her signature scents carrying a purpose and poetry that enchanted me. I began to see the beauty in the smallest rituals—whether it was the melody of a song playing softly in a café as I sipped my afternoon tea or the buttery perfection of a freshly baked croissant. Each act, no matter how ordinary, became an opportunity to engage fully, transforming the mundane into something meaningful and memorable.
Finding Joy and Purpose in Rituals
Paris also deepened my love for music and art. I would lose myself in their beauty, savoring how they enriched the mundane with emotion and wonder. French life, I realized, is built on rituals—those small, consistent acts that bring joy and a sense of purpose. And I adopted all of them, carrying their essence with me wherever I live.
Before diving into recommendations for savoring your own daily blessings, I want to share one more simple yet transformative ritual that can deepen your appreciation for life and cultivate gratitude: tea time with Madame
Duboise. While I came from a culture where tea is a daily staple, Madame Duboise showed me how to elevate this cherished tradition—not just by savoring the finest tea leaves, but through the art of thoughtful presentation and mindful enjoyment.
The French Tea Ritual: A Lesson in Elegance and Gratitude
Tea time with Madame Duboise was nothing short of enchanting. Each afternoon, she would prepare tea with a reverence that transformed it into an art form. Her tea set was exquisite—a traditional French arrangement with a porcelain teapot, matching cups and saucers, and a delicately adorned sugar bowl and creamer. She would carefully select her tea for the day, favoring blends that mirrored the season.
In autumn, she often chose spiced teas with warming notes of ginger and cinnamon or an aromatic infusion like Earl Grey, both of which perfectly complemented the golden hues of the season. She sourced her teas with intention, delighting in offerings from local brands or small French tea salons renowned for their confections and unique blends. Tea salons in Paris are destinations in themselves, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere where time seems to pause.
Madame Duboise infused every detail of tea time with elegance. She always used fine china and polished silverware, not out of extravagance but to honor the moment. Her philosophy was simple: when you treat something with care and attention, you elevate it—including yourself. This was evident not just in the tea but in the environment she created around her home—a serene, unhurried space where conversation flowed easily and gratitude for the moment was palpable.
I came to cherish these rituals. She taught me how to find gratitude in the smallest things: the warmth of a teacup in my hands, the fragrance of steeping leaves, and the delicate sweetness of a spoonful of sugar. French ways transformed my view of life—that is not merely as a series of chores anymore but as a luxurious celebration of life’s simple joys.
Read here about enjoying sugar.
How to Live a Life Filled with Gratitude
You don’t have to be an au pair in Paris to discover the beauty and gratitude woven into daily life. The simplest way to pull yourself out of the rat race and the feeling that life isn’t enough is to shift your perspective. Consider this: the things you might find yourself complaining about—an overfull closet, a repetitive task—are luxuries that some people can only dream of.
Gratitude starts with small, intentional changes. During chores, think about the smile on your husband’s face as he puts on the fresh, crisp shirt you just ironed for him. While preparing breakfast, let music fill the air—classical is wonderful for creating a calming atmosphere. Skip the smartphone playlist and instead treat yourself to an old-fashioned record player, a treasure easily found in a thrift store or on Facebook Marketplace.
Spoil yourself with a beautiful porcelain teapot, something that turns your tea time into a moment of indulgence and mindfulness. Most importantly, love your life and give thanks for what it is—a gift and a blessing from God. By embracing these small, mindful acts, you’ll find that beauty and gratitude have been there all along, just waiting for you to notice.
