“Gratitude is not a passive response to something given to us. Gratitude arises from paying attention. From being awake in the presence of everything that lives within and without us.”
When thinking about gratitude it could be easy to list the things that come to mind easily. Our family, friends, a place to live, a beautiful day. Those are all things to be grateful for, but I challenge you to go deeper. To think about why we are grateful for those things. The “why” challenges you to explore the moments or feelings you have.
Prompts for inner reflection
Here are a few ideas to ponder (there’s no judgement here):
Think of a moment in the past 24 hours that made you feel happy, safe, or joyful.
- Was it quiet or loud, with others or alone?
- Where were you?
- What made that moment stand out?
Who has been there for you, recently or in the past, in a way that still affects you today?
- Think about how they supported you and how it changed you to trust or grow.
- Are you close with them now?
- Did you ever tell them how it made you feel to have them supporting you? Why or why not?
What personal changes have you noticed over the past year that you’re thankful for?
- Maybe it’s more patience, boundaries, vulnerability, or self-awareness.
- Do you know what prompted the changes?
- How has it helped you in your relationships?
Describe a place that makes you feel calm or peaceful.
- Why does it have that effect on you?
- Is it stillness? The view?
- Describe the details, even small ones.
- What thoughts/emotions go through your mind as you think of it?
What is something difficult that turned out to be a blessing?
- How did that challenge redirect your path toward something better?
- Can it help you with future challenges?
Consider what you’re grateful for. Consider the “whys. When we start to think about the reasons we are grateful, it helps to in turn become more mindful and find joy in the most unexpected places.
Be Kind to Yourself
This is the kind of conversation that grows.
Gratitude, what does it mean to you? How do you express it? Do you verbalize it, journal?