Let’s be honest: Sometimes, gratitude feels a little weighty. Life can go through periods where it’s a bit of a grind, and while I am a proponent of gratitude and having a practice of being grateful, sometimes, it’s too big of a stretch.

In these instances, we have to find what’s closer, what’s easier. In the past, we’ve discussed microjoys, a term coined by Cyndie Spiegel, and this is similar. If you are not familiar, microjoys are just what you imagine: tiny little bubbles of joy that cross our paths every single day, but if we are not paying attention, we will undoubtedly miss them. Things like noticing how light shines into a room in the most perfect way at a specific time of day. Appreciating the intoxicating scent of cinnamon bread in the oven, or smaller yet waking up in the morning and being relieved to find you’re still here. 

In that vein of thought, a couple of weeks ago, I began connecting with some longtime friends on the app called Marco Polo. You basically send video messages back and forth, and we chat about our lives. 

Anyway, one day, my friend Tina organically shared the three things that were good. The things she shared were simple and sincere, and they resonated with me. My life has been hectic and stressful lately. Even though it’s all related to positive transitions, feeling discombobulated can trick you into thinking that everything is a mess and ruined when it’s not.

I instinctively grabbed ahold of the 3 good things and have been sharing mine most days with them. I don’t even think it’s for them as much as for me to keep my mind right.

In fact, a few days ago, one of them shared their “3 really good things” and I even took a little bit of issue with it because truthfully adding the “really” can add pressure, at least in my inner mental world. I am sticking with what’s good. It’s basic. It’s simple. It’s accessible.

For reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, what’s good feels like it has fewer prerequisites. It’s like Gratitude’s lower-maintenance sibling who orders black coffee. No muss, no fuss.

Today, I bring you the low-brow practice of 3 good things, thanks to Tina. (I am sure she won’t mind that I stole it from her. I mean, I am giving her credit.) If you woke up in a bit of a mood, or just can’t quite get yourself to positive, get yourself to what’s good. 

Then you’re done. But you might be surprised to find that the mental search for what’s good will open up little, tiny closed doors in your mind.

Who knows, maybe gratitude will walk through.