Life feels busier for all of us, doesn’t it? Maybe you’ve noticed how quickly this year has gone by—or how hard it’s been to slow down long enough to notice what’s changing in you. As I’ve taken time to look back, I’ve realized something simple but powerful: grief and gratitude sometimes go hand in hand, and when we let them, both can help us grow.
Gratitude
We often think of gratitude as something we offer to others, but it’s really a gift we give ourselves. When you thank someone for preparing a delicious meal, yes, they feel appreciated, but you’re also reminded of the love and care that surrounds you. When you thank God for a beautiful sunrise, you’re reminded that beauty can still be here, even on the worst days. Practicing gratitude helps us see the goodness that quietly rests in our lives every single day – when we pause long enough to notice.
So, why not pause for a moment and ask yourself, what’s one small thing you’re grateful for today?
Grief
Grief and gratitude can linger side by side. If you’ve ever stood in a funeral line hearing stories about someone you love, you’ve probably felt that mix of sadness and thankfulness at once. You’re reminded of what you’ve lost, yes, but also of how deeply that person was loved. Grief, in its strange way, points us back to gratitude. Gratitude softens grief, even as it hurts. And just to keep it real, just this past month I lost someone I loved dearly, so I’m practicing this one right alone with you, friends.
How has your grief expanded, reshaped, or deepened your understanding of gratitude?
Growth
Everything we experience gives us an opportunity to shape us into who we’re becoming. Grief stretches our hearts, gratitude expands our awareness, and together they pull us beyond our comfort zone. When we wrestle with pain or disappointment, we learn what really matters and how strong we actually are. Growth rarely feels good while it’s happening, but it transforms us into more compassionate, grounded people, if we let it.
Think back to a challenge from this year. Have you allowed it to teach you something about yourself?
Grace
And then there’s grace, especially the kind we extend to ourselves. The coming season brings both joy and stress, celebration and fatigue. So as you move through these weeks, be gentle with yourself. You’re doing the best you can. You don’t have to do it perfectly to do it well. Grace allows us to rest and to keep going, even when life feels like too much, when grief feels too big, and when it’s difficult to find the moments of gratitude.
At Care to Change, we believe in giving ourselves grace, planting seeds of hope, and walking together through all seasons—whether joyful, heavy, or both. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, one of our professional counselors can walk alongside you as you navigate grief or rediscover gratitude. And if you’re not ready to meet with a counselor yet, you’ll find practical tools, podcasts, and workshops on our website to help you take the next small step toward healing and growth.
Because gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. And the more we practice it, the more we begin to see how beautiful life still is.