Power of Gratefulness
Gratefulness is more than a fad, a wishy washy thought experiment, or even some veiled attempt to hide from the reality of the world around you. The Power of Gratefulness is far more powerful than you could ever imagine…
The Power of Gratefulness: How a Simple Practice Can Change Your Life
It’s the start of the new year. Eyes open to yet another day, a different day?
They are, in the end, all days, yet today is special. Today, you discovered a little technique you have been using all this time without realising it. You stumble into it, and now you are here to find out more about it.
Being a glass-half-full person is what gets so many people to where they squeeze the most from life. They see the beauty in a flower, an insect, with all its intricate wings and precision landings, the painting on a wall in the city centre amongst the concrete and decay or a quick read of a short story that brings a tear to their eye. Each moment of quiet gratitude, embodied in a realisation of the beautiful world that surrounds us.
So, let’s talk about why it works, some techniques to improve it, and the real-life ways it can make everything—from work stress to relationships—feel a little lighter.
How the Power of Gratefulness Actually Works
Our brains are wired to notice problems. Back in caveman times, this kept us alive—spotting danger meant survival. But today? It means we obsess over that one rude email while forgetting the five kind ones.
Gratitude flips this script. Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude:
Feel happier and less stressed (even in tough situations).
Sleep better (no more 3 a.m. worry spirals).
Have stronger relationships (because saying “I appreciate you” goes a long way).
It is minute adjustments to our mindset. A small change to daily, and with each conscious recognition of how incredible the world is the more we are likely to present a positive attitude to those around us.
…and we all know positivity attracts positivity to us. It’s ripples which keep moving away from you.
How to Practice Gratitude Without It Feeling Forced
The trick is to keep it simple. If “gratitude practice” makes you think of candlelit journaling sessions, don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be that deep. Here are some idea which actually work:
1. The 2-Minute Journal (For People Who Hate Journaling)
Every night, jot down:
One good thing that happened, no matter how small (e.g., “My colleague brought me a biscuit”).
One tiny win (e.g., “I finally replied to that annoying email”).
One person who made your day better (e.g., “The barista remembered my order”).
That’s it. No essays. No pressure.
2. Turn Complaints Into Gratitude (The Traffic Jam Hack)
Stuck in traffic? Instead of fuming, try: “I’m grateful I have a car. I’m grateful for this podcast. I’m grateful I’m not rushing to a hospital.” It sounds cheesy, but it works. I do this on hectic appointment meetups, and it stops me from morphing into an aggressive, angry driver shouting at the old pensioner slowly crossing the road.
3. The “Thank You” Experiment
For one week, thank one person daily—properly. Not just “Cheers” to the postie, but: “I really appreciate how quickly you deliver our parcels, even in the rain.” Watch their face light up. Bonus: You’ll feel warmer, too.
What Therapists Want You to Know
It’s not about pretending life’s perfect. It’s about balancing the scales. This is important to understand. Life can be tough. We can have setbacks, and we can live in war-torn territories and have health issues.
We all have something we know is affecting us. Deep vein thrombosis. An old roof that is leaking, again. Perhaps a relative who has been particularly nasty and upset your son or daughter. We can be focused on those issues and see the world though those lenses or we can actively choose to ALSO see the world in all its beauty.
Try flipping a few statements around that you may unknowingly be saying to yourself. For example:
- Depression: “I cannot be bothered to face today” → Add: “But I am already up and facing it and I’ve made a start.
Anxiety spiral: “I’m overwhelmed at work.” → Add: “But I’m grateful my boss trusts me with big projects.”
Sadness: “I miss my father.” → Add: “but I’m glad I have a dog who’s always happy to see me.”
Loneliness: “I miss my friends.” → Add: “I’m glad of all the memories we had together and for the new ones I am about to create.”
It’s not about ignoring problems. It’s about remembering that good things exist alongside the tough stuff.
When Gratitude Feels Impossible
Some days, gathering the energy to even consider the power of gratitude feels like a stretch. But if someone reminded me that I am still alive and experiencing life, that I only need look at the world surviving in the cracks of the pavements or high up on the limbs of the trees, it made a difference. Here’s what helped most:
Micro-gratitude: “The nurses were kind. The tea was hot. The sunlight through the window was warm.” Tiny acknowledgements count.
Permission to be human: If you’re grieving or angry, forcing positivity backfires. Sometimes, gratitude just means “I’m grateful this moment will pass.” (and this realisation is one of the most amazing thoughts going)
Keep in mind, there is no such thing as failure if you tried your best. You just learned a new way of not doing something. These are key skills you can apply to the future you.
Try This Today
Pick one of these (no overthinking!):
Text someone: “Hey, I was just thinking about how much I appreciate you because…”
Mealtime pause: Before eating, think of one person who helped get that food to you (farmers, shop staff, whoever) we are all part of the process.
Bedtime rewind: Mentally replay one good moment from your day—even if it’s just “That shower was amazing.”
Latent Lifestyle Grateful App: Read one message of gratefulness and think about all the ways you can consider gratitude.
Final Thought: Gratitude Isn’t Magic—But It Helps
Gratitude won’t erase life’s messes. But it’s like a mental flashlight: it doesn’t remove all the dark, but it does help you see a path forward.
And if all else fails? Remember my grandma’s advice: “If you can’t find something to be grateful for, be grateful you’re not a medieval peasant with toothache.” Works every time.
Your turn: What’s one small thing you’re grateful for today? (Go on, I’ll wait!)
