As we gather during Thanksgiving week, it's easy to think of gratitude as simply saying "thank you" around the dinner table. But gratitude is so much more—it’s a way of moving through the world that transforms everything it touches, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary blessings.
The Hidden Power of Being Grateful
When I was juggling my career and my small children, I thought I was too busy for "gratitude practices." Just getting dinner on the table felt like an achievement! But recently, I came across some fascinating research neurobiologist Andrew Huberman shared on his podcast Huberman Lab. The Science of Gratitude and How to Build a Gratitude Practice. He explains how our brains are wired to focus on worries and problems—something I was particularly good at, I must admit.
Here's what caught my attention, though: when we practice gratitude, our brains release chemicals that help us feel more connected and positive. It's nature's own antidote to worry. Science is finally catching up to what wisdom traditions have known all along—counting our blessings changes us from the inside out.
The Gifts of Gratitude
I've watched gratitude work its quiet magic, both in my own life and in the lives of others. Research shows that a regular gratitude practice brings:
More restful sleep
Fewer physical complaints
Deeper relationships
A more resilient spirit
Greater joy in everyday moments
Simple, Tested, and True Ways to Practice Gratitude
Gratitude Journaling
In my morning journaling practice, I write about the things I’m grateful for. Sometimes, it’s about significant events. Other times, it might just be that my coffee is particularly delicious or that the pansies on my porch look lovely. Every blessing counts, no matter its size.
The Gratitude Stone
I keep a small, smooth stone in a bowl on my desk. While catching up on emails—and there are always a ton of those—I pick up the stone and think of something good in my life. Sometimes it's as simple as the sound of my Golden Retriever's breathing or an unexpected call from a friend.
The Grateful Walk
Walking becomes a meditation when you look for things to appreciate. The neighbor's new roses, wind chimes singing in the breeze, the way evening light turns everything golden—there's always something to see.
Making It Part of Your Life
It doesn’t take special equipment or large amounts of time to practice gratitude. Start where you are, with what you have. When I first began, I simply wrote three little lines in a journal each day. Small steps, taken consistently, can carry you far.
A Final Thought
Consider Brené Brown’s quote: "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." A gratitude practice brings you more happiness.
A Gentle Suggestion
Before you move on with your day, pause for just a moment. What's one small thing bringing light to your world right now? Hold that thought tenderly—it's a gift you've given yourself.
And remember, friend, it's never too late to begin. Starting this practice has made all the difference in how I experience my days. Your journey begins whenever you're ready to take that first step.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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