… and why practice it?
Gratitude, according to Merriam-Webster, is “the state of being grateful: thankfulness.” Simply put, it’s the practice of recognizing and appreciating the people, experiences, skills, or gifts that bring joy, peace, or comfort into our lives.
But does this mean we should only be grateful for what feels good?
Not necessarily. Life often delivers lessons in unexpected forms – challenges, setbacks, or losses – that prompt us to grow, reassess our priorities, and ultimately strengthen our resilience. No one is immune to these moments. They can knock us off course, make us feel vulnerable, and push us toward a deeper understanding of what truly matters in our life.
When we look back across history, we find that life has always been full of trials. Take the Middle Ages, for instance: widespread disease, limited access to healthcare and nutrition, rigid social hierarchies, poverty, violence, warfare, and overcrowded living conditions were common struggles. In many ways, the challenges we face today – economic uncertainty, social inequality, conflict, and health crises – echo those earlier hardships.
So how do we navigate it all?
By practicing gratitude for what is already working in our lives. When we focus on abundance rather than scarcity, we shift our mindset – and over time, this can influence our mood, our choices, and even our relationships. It’s not about denying hardship, but about choosing where we place our attention. In doing so, we align ourselves with hope, possibility, and a sense of agency.
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good concept – it’s a proven practice. Research in positive psychology shows that regular gratitude practice can improve mental well-being, enhance sleep, increase resilience, and strengthen our connection with others.
To move forward as our best selves or at our “highest vibration,” we must show appreciation not just for the good, but also for the growth. (Otherwise sometimes referred to as the bad). Gratitude grounds us in the present and connects us with each other. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff. It’s about choosing to notice the light that still gets in, even when things feel dark.
And that, especially in a world full of uncertainty, is something to be truly thankful for.
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown
