Gratitude Practices For Grumpy People

As Thanksgiving approaches, the annual wave of gratitude messages is hard to miss. You might feel nudged to dust off your gratitude journal, or simply go around the table naming something you’re thankful for.

If these rituals genuinely warm your heart, wonderful—keep them.

But if the “be grateful!” chorus leaves you annoyed, numb, or pressured, you are not alone. Gratitude can start to feel performative or shallow when it’s treated like a seasonal obligation.

Honestly, that used to be me. I was definitely a gratitude grump.

Yet something shifted when gratitude became less about forcing myself to “look on the bright side,” and more about noticing everyday moments of goodness. Over time, appreciation for the ordinary, imperfect good in my life began to come more naturally—and with it, a bit more peace.

The beauty of gratitude is that there are countless ways in. There’s truly a version of it for everyone.

Simple practices have been linked with lower stress, better sleep, and a more grounded outlook—benefits that are especially welcome during the holiday swirl.

Still, even with the best intentions, gratitude practices can lose their spark. If you get bored or start to feel flat, mixing things up can help bring back that positive mood boost.

This week’s tool in the Peace & Positivity During the Holidays series is gratitude—not the polished, pressure-filled version, but a kinder, more flexible approach you can explore in your own way.

Whether you adore gratitude rituals or view them with a little suspicion, consider this a gentle invitation: experiment with what authentic appreciation might look like for you, right now.

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5 Unique Gratitude Practices to Try

1. 3 Good Things:
   At the end of the day, write down three good things that happened.
   Be specific: What happened? How did it feel? Was anyone else involved? What did you do to help make each of these things happen?

2. Savoring Smells of the Season:
   Spend the day noticing the pleasant smells around you.
   Is it fresh brewed coffee? Peppermint? Bread baking in the oven?
   Which scents are especially appealing?
   Whenever you notice a good scent, pause and take three deep breaths to enjoy it.
   Try jotting your favorites in a journal or in your phone’s notes app. Review and reflect on them at the day’s end.

3. Self-Gratitude:
   We usually think of gratitude as something we give others, but it can be powerful to turn it inward.
   What do you appreciate about yourself—your strengths, skills, or personality?
   What physical abilities are you thankful to have?
   What have you done to take care of yourself today?

4. Appreciating Humor:
   Notice what brings a smile or makes you laugh throughout your day.
   Who made you laugh or smile today?
   What funny images or jokes did you enjoy?
   Did you watch any funny reels, movies, or TV shows?
   Collect moments of humor in a journal or online folder to revisit whenever you need a pick-me-up.

5. Appreciating Your Home:
   Try this practice when you’re tired and finally back at home.
   What aspects of your living space bring you pleasure?
   What comforts does your home provide?
   Are there sights, sounds, or bits of natural beauty nearby that you enjoy?
   Which sounds in your environment feel soothing?

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This Week’s Challenge

I’d love to hear from you! 

What are you grateful for?

Leave me a comment and join the conversation!

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Next Week

I’ll be taking off a week from the newsletter to celebrate Thanksgiving. Check out my blog, Shift Your Mood With Gratitude, for more ways to weave gratitude into your daily life.

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Need Support?

If you’d like personalized strategies for peace and positivity this holiday season, email me at dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.