The Surprising Truth About Gratitude

November 10, 2021

As the holiday season approaches, I’m reminded of the opportunity to practice gratitude.

However, if I’m being honest with you, this month (and this year in general) has been heavy. It’s challenged me in different ways than it did in 2020. 

Sometimes practicing gratitude feels inauthentic, forced, and awkward. However, if our goal is to live a joyful and meaningful life, it’s actually essential. Here is why.

After 12 years of research, Brené Brown had a surprising discovery. Everyone she interviewed who described themselves as joyful also actively practiced gratitude.

“For me it was very counter-intuitive because I went into the research thinking that the relationship between joy and gratitude was: if you are joyful, you should be grateful,” Brown said. “But it wasn’t that way at all. Instead, practicing gratitude invites joy into our lives.”

So the proof is in the pudding, my friends. We know that in order to feel joyful, we must integrate gratitude practices into our lives.

Not sure what that looks like? 

Here are my three favorite gratitude practices:

1 - Keep a gratitude jar 

This is my favorite habit! Place a jar somewhere visible in your home where you’ll see it each day (I have mine in my kitchen next to my wine glasses). Any time you think of something you’re grateful for, jot it down on a small piece of paper, date it, fold it, and stick it in the jar. I complete this practice for a full year and then open and read all the notes on New Year’s Day.

2 - Say words of gratitude before a meal

Before a meal, say something out loud that you’re grateful for. This doesn’t have to be something “big” - it could be a smile from a stranger, the laughter of a child, the fall colors, or a fun meeting at work. My gratitude practice at dinner has become a daily habit that has strengthened my happiness and my relationship with my partner.

3 - Keep a gratitude journal

In the morning (before you begin your work day), write down three things that you are grateful for over the last 24 hours. My favorite journal to use for this is the Five Minute Journal.

Remember that being grateful doesn’t mean we don’t have tough emotions or experience hardships in our lives. Part of the human experience is embracing “competing” emotions. For instance, it’s okay to feel sad and grateful at the same time.

May your holiday season be filled with gratitude, joy, and learning.

In partnership,