Gratitude and Tiny Living

This week we reflect nationwide on the goodness in our lives. We set aside differences, gather around a table with those we love, and share a home-cooked meal with gratefulness as the centerpiece.

Tiny living and minimalism uniquely amplify our ability to feel thankful. Owning fewer material possessions makes it easier to understand their value and importance. The things in your tiny home likely either serve an important function or are items that bring you joy. There’s little room for much else! When everywhere we look is something we use or love, it’s hard not to be grateful.

Everyone’s journey to tiny living looks different, but there are a couple overarching motivators. One is the desire to prioritize experiences over things. Staying connected with the present moment and being mindful of the gift of each new sunrise allows us to further practice gratitude. Another reason for going tiny is to live a more nature-conscious life. Tiny housers often spend regular time outside, leading more active lifestyles. Such activities bring us further in touch with our surroundings, but also benefit our mental and physical health.

Indeed, practicing gratitude in our daily lives has similar benefits that an active lifestyle offers. Just like nutrition and rest restores us physically, gratitude recharges the battery of our psychological immune systems, which helps us handle stress better. Research shows that grateful people are less likely to suffer from depression and even have slower cellular aging. We see that when you regularly focus attention on positive experiences, you benefit both mentally and physically.

There is so much to be grateful for if we train our perceptions, and recognizing the goodness around us will only perpetuate more positivity. Our relationships, our food, and certainly our homes that provide us shelter are chief among them. We are grateful to build beautiful homes for our wonderful customers and we hope you will make lasting memories in them this holiday season.