Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect it’s about noticing the good stuff, even when things are far from easy.
Maybe it’s the way your kid lights up when you walk into the room, or how the house is finally quiet for five whole minutes. It doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. It’s those small moments that keep us going.
Since then, I’ve made it a habit, a quick note on my phone or a few words scribbled in a notebook. One or two things I’m thankful for each day.
Some days it’s deep, and other days it’s “hot coffee and nobody spilled it.” And that’s enough. Over time, it really shifts how you see things. You start to catch the good in real-time, not just after the fact.
No pressure, no perfect journal needed. Just pause, look around, and remind yourself that even on the hard days, there’s still something worth noticing.
So yeah, this morning was a mess but my youngest ran over and hugged me, and said, “You’re the best daddy ever.” Just like that, all the noise faded for a second. That’s what I mean by finding the good stuff, even when it’s buried under layers of chaos.
Gratitude doesn’t make the tough moments disappear, but it helps us see the full picture.
It reminds us why we show up every day, even when we’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or just trying to make it to bedtime without losing it.
Let me start with a simple way to hold onto the little moments that make parenting special.
It’s called the 1 Second Every Day app, and as the name suggests, you record just one second of video each day. That’s it. No fancy tech skills are needed.
I started using it a couple of months ago, and it’s been surprisingly meaningful. When I look back at my clips, I see all these small but important memories like my kid jumping into the pool, a messy but fun Easter egg hunt, or the proud smile after finally making it across the monkey bars.
At the moment, they might seem like just another part of the day, but when you piece them together, they tell a much bigger story.
There’s a quote I love that says, “The small things end up being the big things.” This app really brings that to life. It costs around $5, and honestly, it’s been worth every cent.
But if you’re not looking to spend money, you can still do the same thing with your phone just make a habit of taking short videos or quick snapshots each day.
Here’s a tool you might already be using without realizing how powerful it can be Facebook’s On This Day feature. If you’ve been on Facebook for a while, chances are you’ve got years of memories stored there. And this feature brings them back one day at a time.
It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong, but looking back helps you appreciate what’s gone right and how much you’ve grown as a family.
Now, I try to post those memories when they pop up not just for the nostalgia, but because they remind me to be grateful. Sometimes they make me laugh, and sometimes they get me a little emotional, but every time, they help me see the bigger picture.
So next time you’re scrolling, take a second to check that On This Day tab. You might find more than just an old photo you might find a fresh perspective.
The Panda Planner isn’t your typical diary. It’s more like a practical planner with a little dose of gratitude built in. I’ll be honest—I’ve never been great at traditional journaling. I’ve got a dusty notebook somewhere with maybe three entries in it. But the Panda Planner? I actually use it every day.
It’s undated, so there’s zero guilt if you skip a day (or a few). It’s designed to last about six months, which feels manageable, not overwhelming. And it’s built for real life.
There’s space for daily to-do lists, schedules, goals… the usual stuff. But it also adds a simple touch of mindfulness things like “What are you grateful for?” or “What are you excited about today?”
That little pause in the morning to jot down one good thing? It adds up. At night, it prompts you to write down a win or two and think about how tomorrow could be better. Super quick. Super helpful.
Like the other day when our water heater finally got fixed, hot showers never felt so good. Or realizing I made it through a whole day without raising my voice. Those might seem like small things, but writing them down made me actually notice them.
And if you’re already planning your day, it takes 30 seconds to add a little gratitude. Plus, it kind of nudges you to look for the good stuff on purpose.
That simple habit? It’s made a big difference in my mindset.
TL;DR
Life as a parent is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright exhausting. Some days, it feels like we’re just trying to keep our heads above water am I right?
When I first started exploring these tools, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. But here’s what I realized: it’s not about needing the tools it’s about creating space to pause and notice the good stuff.
Here’s my advice: start small. You don’t have to do all three of these things at once. Maybe download the One Second Every Day app and try it for a week. Or next time you’re on Facebook, click on On This Day and see what memories pop up. If you’re into planners, grab a Panda Planner just start jotting down one thing you’re grateful for each day on a sticky note. Whatever works for you, just start.
And listen, I get it life gets busy. Some days, gratitude might feel like one more thing on your never-ending to-do list.
But here’s the beauty of it: it doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be profound. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being thankful for a hot shower after a long day.
If you’re looking for more tips on parenting, family life, or just figuring out this whole “gay dad” thing, come hang out with me over at austinplease.com.
I’m always sharing ideas, stories, and resources to help us navigate this wild ride together. Because we’re all just doing our best, one imperfect, beautiful day at a time.
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