In 2008, my child was two and my life was fraying. My relationship was ending. I was unhappy at my job. Every part of who I was seemed under pressure.

I don’t even know how I ended up in the group. I think I was following the work of the founder somewhere else when she talked about this side project she was doing called Grace in Small Things. The challenge was simple: Name five things per day you are grateful for.

The group is now on Facebook, but started on a small platform. The community of close to 2,000 was engaged and supportive. Slowly, I found that not only was I regularly looking—and finding—small, everyday things to be grateful for, I was working through some of my own feelings of uncertainty.

Today, many of the people I met there are still dear friends of mine. I look back at those years and realize how much that practice, and, more importantly, that community, helped me through what were some very difficult years.

Also, the practice had the intended effect: I looked, and found, small graces everywhere.

Like the way the color of a leaf deepens and becomes more vibrant after a good soaking rain. Hearing a child laugh uncontrollably. The warmth that coats my throat and stomach with the first spoonful of hot soup. The short, clipped call of a cardinal. The myriad blues I see when looking to the horizon from the shore of Lake Michigan. The smell of coffee in the morning. A close, competitive game of college basketball on the TV.

Habits can be hard to establish. But this one is worth it, as research shows, suggesting gratitude may lead to better mental and emotional health, decreased depression, better sleep, and better cardiovascular health.

So, my invitation to you today is to think about starting your own gratitude practice (or you can join the Grace in Small Things Facebook group, too). Even if you don’t want to be online, just noting what you’re grateful for as you walk, sit, get ready for sleep, can help you feel more grounded and connected to this world.

Rest assured, we need you here.

The Light Links

How long does it take to create a habit (and how to do it)

Wisdom at 96: Life Advice from a Century of Experience

How to practice gratitude

Mini meditation: Let go of stress