Count your blessings
Meaning
To be grateful for the good things in one's life, especially when facing difficulties or feeling down.
Origin
The concept of appreciating one's good fortune is ancient, found in many cultures and religious texts, but the phrase "count your blessings" gained significant traction in the English-speaking world in the late 19th century. Its popularization is widely attributed to a beloved hymn written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. in 1897, also titled "Count Your Blessings." This widely sung hymn explicitly used the phrase as its central theme, urging listeners to enumerate the good things in their lives during times of trouble. The hymn's immense popularity cemented the idiom into everyday language, transforming a timeless piece of advice into a memorable and inspiring expression.
Examples
- Even though you didn't get the promotion, count your blessings that you have a stable job you enjoy.
- After the accident, she was just happy to be alive and told herself to count her blessings.