Gratitude Isn’t About Pretending Everything Is Fine
For a long time, I thought gratitude was simply about being polite, saying thank you, or reminding myself to “look on the bright side.” But real gratitude — the kind that actually changes how you feel — is much quieter and much more powerful than that.
It’s not about forcing positivity. It’s about noticing what is already here. It’s about finding the good in tricky moments and that is something which takes time and intention to develop.
For many of us that noticing doesn’t come naturally. Especially for busy people who are the glue in our social groups, and give a lot to others. We’re tired, stretched thin, and often running on empty.
That’s where gratitude becomes something different. Over time it can become a mindset, but first it starts as a conscious practice.
Filling Yourself Up First (Without the Guilt)
One of the biggest shifts in my life came when I truly understood that self-care isn’t selfish — but also that it isn’t about spa days and indulgence either.
Real self-care is about:
- noticing when you’re under-resourced
- understanding what actually fills you back up
- and giving yourself permission to do those things little and often
Gratitude plays a quiet but important role here.
When we regularly pause to acknowledge what supports us — emotionally, physically, mentally — we become more aware of what we need. And when we meet those needs, we show up as a calmer, kinder, more grounded version of ourselves.
How could that ever be selfish?
Gratitude Begins With Being Present
Gratitude and being present in the moment are deeply connected. When we’re rushing through life — thinking about what’s next or replaying what’s already happened — we miss the small moments. Those small moments are where life happens and where we create our memories.
Gratitude grows when we:
- notice our breath
- tune into our senses
- allow ourselves to be here, just for a short while
Some of my most meaningful moments of gratitude didn’t come from big achievements or perfect days, but from very ordinary pauses: noticing warmth, quiet, connection.
These moments don’t disappear when life is hard — they exist alongside it. Finding those moments is like the sun breaking through a cloud and when we notice them, something warms and softens within us.
Gratitude Trains the Brain (Gently)
Our brains are very good at finding evidence for how we already feel or to support our current way of thinking. When we’re overwhelmed or low, our minds naturally scan for what’s wrong — often without us even realising.
Gratitude doesn’t deny difficulty. In fact it is vital to acknowledge how we’re feeling and what we are experiencing, because there is power within our truth. Gratitude simply broadens our perspective.
By regularly noticing what brings comfort, steadiness, or relief — even in small ways — we slowly retrain our brains to recognise support as well as struggle.
Over time, this can help us feel:
- more emotionally resilient
- more appreciative of what we already have
- less caught in cycles of self-criticism or heaviness
Not instantly. Not perfectly. But gently, over time.
Why I Created My Gratitude Journal
I created my gratitude journal for people who:
- care deeply but often put themselves last
- feel overwhelmed by long routines and unrealistic expectations
- want something supportive, not demanding
This journal isn’t about writing pages and pages. It’s about simple, doable moments of reflection — designed to fit into real life.
A place to pause. A place to notice. A place to gently fill yourself back up.
If you’re curious, you can explore the journal here on Amazon.
For me, noticing the small things that bring joy and calm supports my mental health.
What is one thing you are grateful for today?✨
31-Day Gentle Gratitude Journal