Finding Gratitude In An Ungrateful World

Finding gratitude in an ungrateful world starts with being of service to others. Any positive action where you aren’t expecting anything in return results in gratitude for all things.

Your gratitude list may be a bit short in this current climate. Whatever frontline you find yourself in right now don’t feel shame if you’re having trouble creating a gratitude list. Also, aren’t you exhausted by the whole idea of creating lists to work on yourself? It’s ok to buck the trend and agree that the “work” we’ve convinced ourselves that needs to be done is an endless cycle of keeping us stuck on the issues we think we have.⁠

We’ve lived in a very me focused time where self identity has been a badge of honor. All of that is being challenged right now and it’s a long time coming. The self help movement gets some people so stuck on serving their own needs that they forget the needs of others.⁠

Being of service can start with the people closest to you and expand from there. If you need to create a list consider shifting the focus on someone you would have a hard time being without. Show up for that person by: 1) Asking “What’s been on your mind?” 2) Then asking “What else?” 3) Finally, “How can I help?”⁠

Remember, gratitude is not just you making a list in a silo of self thought and self identity. It’s being of service to people outside of your own self interest or personal ideas and plans. By doing this it makes the moments outside of those connections feel more gratifying.⁠