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  • Closing January: Gratitude as a Foundation

    We’ve reached the final week of January, and this month has been all about exploring the skill of gratitude. The process may have seemed slow at times, but breaking things down into small, manageable steps allows us to truly understand what gratitude is as a practice and why it can be so beneficial to begin. Gratitude is simple, personal, and transformative.

    Taking the time to reflect and set our intentions for our own gratitude journey gives the practice meaning and purpose in our lives. It isn’t about perfection or meeting some external standard; it’s about finding those small moments that bring light and warmth, even in the darkest times.

    Now that we’ve laid the foundation together, it’s time to shift gears. But please know that gratitude will remain a central part of this space. Every Wednesday, I’ll continue to share Gratitude Reflections—posts dedicated to my own gratitude journey, insights, and the lessons I’ve learned. I hope these reflections will inspire and encourage you to keep exploring gratitude in your own life, too.

    Why We Began with Gratitude

    Gratitude was the first skill that truly changed my life during some of my darkest mental health struggles. It was the practice of gratitude that helped me shift from a pattern of negative thinking to a more optimistic and hopeful mindset.

    That’s why I chose to start with gratitude here on the blog. It’s a foundational skill, one that can help pave the way for other skills and practices we’ll explore together. By taking the time this month to focus on gratitude, we’ve laid the groundwork for what’s to come.

    Looking Ahead to February

    As we move into February, our focus will transition to understanding emotional regulation. Emotional regulation is a crucial skill for managing mental health and navigating life’s ups and downs. While gratitude helps us shift our perspective, emotional regulation helps us manage and respond to the emotions we experience along the way.

    This doesn’t mean we’re leaving gratitude behind—it will continue to weave through everything we discuss. Each skill we explore builds on the last, creating a toolkit you can use to support yourself in your journey.

    Thank you for being here this month as we’ve explored gratitude together. I hope you’ve found moments of inspiration and connection in the process. Let’s carry the light of gratitude forward as we take our next steps into February.

  • Gratitude Through Curiosity

    What is Gratitude?

    What is gratitude? Gratitude is having or expressing feelings of appreciation or thankfulness for anything; a person, an object, a place, a thought or even an action performed by yourself or another human or animal. Some examples might include saying thank you when someone opens the door for you. Letting a friend know you are grateful that they listened to or supported you during a difficult time. Further examples include; being thankful for hot water so you don’t have to take a cold shower. Appreciation for the sun shining after 3 weeks of snow and clouds. 

    Why Start a Gratitude Practice?

    For some of us, knowing the “why” or purpose behind a practice can help us lean in. So, let’s explore some reasons to consider gratitude—not as a solution, but as a tool for healing and growth.

     When I first started my gratitude journey, I had some doubts. I often wondered, Is this even worth my time? I wasn’t necessarily stubborn, but I also didn’t want to get caught up in the hype. Gratitude felt like a buzzword. I can look back and now see that I wasn’t fighting the idea of a gratitude practice but being curious and wondering if the practice would be with my time? What would I gain? Why should I begin?

    The options of gratitude are limitless; yet at times it feels nearly impossible to find gratitude inside. This is where practicing gratitude as a skill can be of some help. Gratitude is a skill that stands apart. Unlike other practices, it doesn’t come with consequences if we forget to use it. It doesn’t rely on anyone else, and it can be done quietly, just for ourselves. Gratitude is simple, personal, and transformative.

    Reason 1: Gratitude is Personal


    Gratitude is a deeply individual practice. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s part of what makes it so powerful. You don’t have to keep a journal if that doesn’t resonate with you, nor do you have to share your gratitude with anyone else. It can remain private, tucked away in the quiet spaces of your mind.

    The beauty of gratitude lies in its flexibility—it can adapt to your needs and preferences, whether it’s a fleeting moment of appreciation or a more structured ritual. Gratitude is also personal because what you’re thankful for will differ from what someone else values. It’s about recognizing what matters to you and finding meaning in your own way. Your gratitude practice is yours to shape, guided by your intentions and what feels authentic to your journey.

    Reason 2: Gratitude is Simple


    Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as quick and effortless as a few seconds of thought—pausing to appreciate someone or something in your life. It’s not an all-day activity or a time-intensive hobby. Gratitude is simply the act of noticing and acknowledging what you’re thankful for, in whatever way works for you.

    There are no rigid rules or formulas to follow, no grand plans to make. Gratitude meets you where you are. Whether it’s a fleeting moment or a quiet reflection, its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone, at any time.

    Reason 3: Gratitude is Transformative

    Humans are naturally wired for negativity—it’s a survival mechanism that keeps us alert to danger. But this negativity bias can also trap us in patterns of gloom and despair. Gratitude offers a way to turn the mind toward something brighter. It doesn’t erase life’s challenges, but it helps us shift our focus, even for a moment, to what’s good. Over time, this practice can rewire our brains, fostering a healthier mental state and building resilience.

    Research supports the profound impact of gratitude on our well-being. By noticing and appreciating the good—like a friend’s kind words or a stranger holding the door open—we strengthen our mental health and cultivate a deeper sense of connection. These small moments of gratitude can accumulate, helping us feel more grounded and supported by the world around us.

    Your Turn:

    Explore your own meaning if a gratitude journey. Do you need to research  more information regarding gratitude? Do you need to tear down preconceived notions as to what you thought gratitude was and rebuild a healthy relationship with the word gratitude?.

    Tomorrow I want to take the time to share what it looked like for me as I began my gratitude journey. It started out bleak but after 7 years, I can be a testament that gratitude can indeed transform your life, if you allow it to! Please tune in to tomorrows Gratitude Reflections Post