By: Aliya Deshotel

In a world where headlines often focus on what’s wrong, many psychologists, philosophers, and faith leaders remind us of a powerful truth: our days can change, not through major events, but by intentionally noticing the small, good moments already around us.

The Bible invites us into this mindset with a simple yet profound message from Psalm 118:24, that many of us have heard before, but don't really practice:

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Not when life is perfect. Not when everything goes our way. But today, as it is.

The Power of Small Good Things

A warm cup of coffee. A short conversation with someone. A moment of stillness before the day full of work.

These little blessings may seem insignificant, but research in positive psychology shows they have real effects. Naming and noticing small positives can improve our mood, strengthen resilience, and even reshape how the brain responds to stress.

Dr. Martin Seligman, known as the father of positive psychology, explains:

“When we take time to notice the things that go right, we become more resilient, more optimistic, and better at navigating life’s challenges.”

This practice mirrors what Scripture has encouraged for thousands of years.

Philippians 4:8 teaches us to direct our attention toward what is true, noble, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances”, not for them, but in them. Gratitude is a discipline, not a reaction.

Wisdom From Philosophy and Psychology

Philosophers, too, echo the value of perspective:

Marcus Aurelius wrote:

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

And Søren Kierkegaard taught that joy comes not from perfect circumstances, but from how we choose to see and respond to life:

“It is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”

Modern research agrees. Studies show that even the small act of identifying three good things each day can help train the mind toward optimism, gradually rewiring neural pathways.

This isn’t about ignoring difficulties. It’s about choosing to see the whole picture, not only what is heavy, but also what is hopeful.

A Practice That Strengthens Our Community

Across Avoyelles Parish, pastors, counselors, and community members often say the same thing: those who regularly pause to appreciate the small blessings, sunlight over the bayou, a shared meal, a neighbor checking in, tend to face challenges with more steadiness and strength.

And positivity doesn’t stop with one person. A grateful outlook spreads. It lifts conversations, families, workplaces, and even entire communities.

In a close-knit parish like ours, that ripple effect matters!

Choosing Gladness Today

Every day offers us something to rejoice in, even when it’s small:

A smile and hello to or from a stranger. Finishing a task you’ve been avoiding. A breeze through an open window or feeling the sun on your skin.

Sometimes the good is quiet, but it’s there, waiting to be noticed.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.

Rejoicing doesn’t mean pretending life is perfect, it means choosing to notice what is good, even in the midst of what is hard.

And sometimes, that simple shift in focus can change everything.

Author’s Note

Being a wife, an oldest daughter, and at one point having three jobs, it was very hard for me to stop and savor the little things. I felt like I was being pulled in so many directions. I loved the thrill and adrenaline of deadlines and checklists, and still do, and I rarely gave myself a moment to pause, reflect, or thank God for the beautiful things in my life: the opportunities, the people, the blessings I rushed past. That is exactly why I would get so stressed and overwhelmed by even the smallest tasks.

Writing this article gave me the chance to slow down, research this topic, and truly learn how to appreciate the small positives: my morning coffee, stepping outside and letting the sun hit my face, the satisfaction of completing a task, whether at home or at work.

Today, I challenge you to name three positive things around you. This exercise is something I try to implement not just on the good days, but on the hard ones. Now this is much harder said than done, but building the habit of it can change the way you see life. You start seeing it more beautifully and realize how much the world has to offer you.

Here are mine:

1. My mid-day pick-me-up iced coffee🧋
2. The puppies that visit my office every hour that give me a little break🐶
3. A positive work environment👯‍♀️🗞️

Your turn! You only have so many days on this earth—make them as beautifully positive as you can.