15 Things I’m Thankful For That Are Commonly Overlooked

Gratitude Beyond the Obvious

Every November, we’re reminded to slow down and count our blessings. While I appreciate the yearly reminder, you likely know that sincere gratitude lives in the daily, quiet, easy-to-overlook moments. Gratitude isn’t just about celebrating the big milestones like degrees, promotions, awards, and booked-out calendars. Gratitude also includes the moments that don’t always make it into our journals or Instagram captions. It’s about noticing what sustains you when no one’s watching. It’s about giving thanks for what grounds you, heals you, and helps you keep showing up.

In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and as someone who has spent years teaching others about rest, reflection, and restoration, I want to share 15 things I’m thankful for. These are all things I used to overlook when I was running on autopilot, constantly proving and producing. My list includes many of the everyday miracles that remind me I’m alive, worthy, and already enough.

The Everyday Anchors

Let’s start with the simple things, the small comforts and grounding moments that make life softer, even when the world feels heavy.

1. Slow mornings. Okay, so I’ll be honest; I’ve never been a morning person, EVER. But as I get older, I treasure mornings where I wake up naturally and resist the urge to immediately check my phone. It helps me orient to the day and work at my pace, rather than responding to external demands.

2. Unscheduled time. There’s a special kind of joy in looking at my calendar and realizing nothing is there. It reminds me that I have the freedom to choose how I spend every moment.

3. Good lighting. Whether it’s sunshine through my blinds or a cozy lamp glow at night, light reminds me that my environment affects my energy.

4. Candlelight showers. My nighttime showers aren’t just about hygiene; they’re tiny retreats. There’s just something about starting the shower, turning off all the lights, and setting a single candle that soothes my mood. I’m lost in my reflections before I finish my face routine, and the warm glow and soft scents provide the perfect amount of sensory rest before bed.

5. Clean sheets. Crawling into freshly washed sheets after a long day? Especially after wash day? That’s luxury. And it costs less than self-care Sunday at the spa.

The Quiet Acts of Rest and Restoration

As “The Rest Dr,” I’ve learned that rest is more than sleep. It’s reclaiming your right to pause, breathe, and exist outside of productivity. These are the forms of rest I’m most grateful for right now.

6. Saying no without guilt. I used to equate “no” with letting someone down. While I’m still learning that every request I receive is not a demand or expectation, I have learned to view saying “no” as an act of preservation, and not a statement of rejection. Every “no” I give creates space for a deeper “yes.”

7. Afternoon naps. I love me a good nap! Yes, I take them. And no, I don’t feel bad about it. Naps are not a luxury and even though at times they feel indulgent, they're actually maintenance for my soul.

8. Moments of doing absolutely nothing. I mean truly nothing. Not multitasking, not scrolling, not “resting while planning.” Just being. Quietly. Slowly. Refreshingly.

9. Unapologetic boundaries. There was a time when I explained and justified every decision. Now, I set boundaries and remind myself that my peace is the explanation and it does not have to be verbalized.

The People and Lessons That Shaped Me

Beyond things, I’m thankful for the people, lessons, and even the struggles that have shaped how I show up in this world.

10. My support circle. The friends who check on me, the family who roots for me, the colleagues who remind me I don’t have to do it all alone, and most importantly, the members of my “No Committee” who stretch across all three categories. These people make every day more enjoyable.

11. Students who challenge me. Every semester, my students remind me that learning is mutual. Their curiosity keeps me humble and evolving. Their questions keep me invested and stimulated. Their joy keeps me laughing and loving.

12. Therapy. Let’s normalize being thankful for therapy. It has been one of my most powerful tools for self-awareness and healing. It has made me the person I am and helps me envision who I want to be.

13. The lessons that came disguised as losses. Some doors had to close so I could learn rest, self-worth, and discernment. I’m thankful for the “no’s” and the burnout that protected me from what wasn’t aligned. I am thankful for opportunities to overcome my scarcity mindset.

14. The courage to rest. I cannot tell you the thrill and power that comes from choosing differently. I am so thankful that my doctoral journey led me to explore the Strong Black Woman schema because I have committed myself to channel my strength into allowing myself to rest. And it works!!

15. The woman I’m becoming. Oh Shayla, how I love you. The love I’ve shared, the laughter I’ve burst, the lessons I’ve learned, the healing I’ve pursued-I don’t take these for granted because they weren’t always there. The roads I traversed, the tears I cried, the hurt I swallowed-I do not regret these because they made me who I am. And the woman I’m becoming? She’s softer, wiser, still driven, but not by proving. And for that growth, I am deeply, endlessly thankful.

Conclusion & Call to Action: Reflect, Rest, and Rejoice

Gratitude doesn’t require perfection or a picture-perfect life. It asks only that we slow down enough notice and honor what’s already here.

I invite you to take a few moments today to list at least 10 things you’re thankful for that don’t always make the highlight reel. Let it be simple. Let it be real, and let it remind you that rest, joy, and gratitude coexist without you having to earn any of them.

If this reflection resonated with you, subscribe to my quarterly email below for more insights on rest, reflection, and living fully. If your organization is ready to start conversations about wellness and worth in the workplace, let’s connect because this kind of gratitude is meant to ripple outward.

FAQ: Practicing Gratitude and Rest in Everyday Life

Q1: How can I start practicing gratitude if I’m feeling overwhelmed or burnt out?
Start small. Gratitude doesn’t have to look like a long journal entry. Begin by noticing one thing each day that makes your life easier or softer. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring your stress; it’s about finding light within it.

Q2: What does rest have to do with gratitude?
Rest gives you the clarity to see what you’re thankful for. When we slow down, we notice the beauty we rush past, like silence, laughter, or time to breathe. 

Q3: How can professionals incorporate gratitude into their workday?
Try building “gratitude breaks” into your schedule. After a meeting, note one thing that went well. Before logging off, list three wins, big or small. Give your coworkers affirmations for the effort and work they are doing. This practice fosters workplace wellness and supports mental health for professionals.

Q4: What if I don’t feel thankful right now?
That’s okay. Gratitude is a practice, not perfection. It’s not about forcing positivity but about acknowledging that even in difficulty, something good remains. Some seasons require rest before you can truly recognize gratitude.

Q5: How can organizations promote gratitude without it feeling performative?
By modeling it. Leaders who genuinely rest, reflect, and appreciate their teams set the tone. Gratitude-based professional development, team wellness check-ins, and conversations around work-life balance can help create a culture of appreciation rather than exhaustion.