I used to cringe whenever I heard people talk about gratitude in the media. It felt like there was this unspoken pressure to be thankful for everything, all the time—and if I wasn’t, I’d feel a twinge of shame.
Sometimes, it felt like people were just saying they were grateful because they were supposed to, not because they truly meant it.
But after more than a decade exploring positive psychology and trying out different gratitude practices, my view has shifted. I still believe gratitude—and positivity—can be misused in ways that feel forced or even toxic. But I’ve also seen firsthand how authentic gratitude can be a real source of strength.
Gratitude isn’t something we “should” feel; it’s an option, a possibility we can reach for—even when life is tough.
“Gratitude” as a Strength
Gratitude is all about truly feeling and expressing thankfulness for the people and moments that enrich our lives. It’s about pausing to appreciate both the big gestures and the small, everyday gifts, whether it’s a thoughtful act from a friend or the simple pleasure of a cool breeze on a hot day.
What is unique about gratitude is the deep sense of having received something valuable, which often brings a wave of positive emotion and a desire to connect more deeply with others.
When we make gratitude a regular practice, we start to see more of the positives around us, deepen our connections, and even shift our outlook on life, leading to more kindness, empathy, and a greater sense of purpose.
Gratitude in Action
Travel always seems to wake up my sense of gratitude. On a recent trip to Kauai, I felt it in so many moments—starting with the simple joy of being outdoors. Back home in Austin, the rising summer heat had kept me cooped up inside, but in Kauai, I could finally soak up fresh air, wander among lush plants, spot colorful birds, and listen to the waves on the beach. Each day, I found myself pausing to take it all in, feeling genuinely thankful for the beauty around me.
What made this trip even more special was sharing it with my husband and our adult daughters. For the first time in ages, none of us were working. We had the rare chance to explore, relax, and reconnect—whether we were swimming, indulging in shaved ice, or just watching the sunset together.
Even after returning home, my gratitude didn’t end. I found myself appreciating the cool blast of AC after Kauai’s sticky nights, the comfort of my own bed, and even my trusty neck wrap. As I eased back into my routine, I was grateful for my favorite yoga classes, which helped work out the travel kinks. These moments, big and small, reminded me how gratitude can shift my outlook and help me savor both adventure and the comforts of home.
5 Ways to Practice Gratitude
- Express appreciation in a specific way. Instead of a quick “thanks,” try being descriptive: “I appreciate how you volunteered to pick up the dog from the kennel when I was tired from traveling. That gave me a chance to rest.” Notice how people respond to detailed gratitude versus a simple “thanks.”
- Write down up to five things you feel grateful for in a journal. You don’t have to do this daily—research suggests that once a week can be even more powerful than doing it every day.
- Verbally or in writing, thank the people who’ve contributed to your success. Reflect on how your achievements are shaped by others’ helpful influence as well as your own effort.
- Practice mindful gratitude by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on what you appreciate in the present moment.
- Reflect on challenges and see if you can find a lesson or a silver lining to appreciate, even in tough times. When my father was ill with incurable cancer, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye. I also was very thankful for his doctors that talked & cried with us; that gratitude helped me find meaning during a painful time.
This Week’s Strength Challenge
I’d love to hear from you!
What have you felt thankful for this past week?
How will you practice gratitude this week?
Leave me a comment—I look forward to hearing your ideas.
Need Support for Positive Change?
If you’re ready for personalized strength-based strategies to navigate life’s challenges, email me at dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.
Dianna Collier 
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