On Gratitude
“There is no way to happiness–happiness is the way.” -Thich Nhat Hanh
Naturally, Thanksgiving is heavy on Gratitude. I like that. So much of our society runs on the pursuit of More. In fact, we can’t let you simply be thankful this week. Black Friday deals give you the opportunity to consume and spend while counting your blessings.
But true Gratitude is the recognition of what you already have. In my newsletter I like to talk about where I’ve found wisdom. Gratitude must be one of the most common themes among The Wise. And it’s something more than eating until your pants don’t fit and then napping in front of football. For me it’s become a daily practice. In fact, I believe Gratitude has rewired my brain.
Author, investor and podcaster, Tim Ferriss, introduced me to the idea of a gratitude journal on his podcast. In 2017 after hearing how it has helped him, I downloaded the “Five Minute Journal” app. It prompts you each morning to list three things you’re grateful for. At night the app reminds you to log 3 things that went well that day. I used it on occasion, but not daily.
In March of 2020 my anxiety spiked as the pandemic emerged. Others I cared about were dealing with uncertainty too. I told them about how practicing gratitude was supposed to help change your outlook. When I explained the gratitude idea to them, they were intrigued. So I ditched the app and started my day by texting a small group. We each said three things we were grateful for. In the evening we would text again to say what had been good about the day. It’s a daily ritual that continues. Some days I’m grateful my back doesn’t hurt. Other days I’ve been grateful that I feel less sick than I did the day before. In our gratitude practice we are thankful for friends; strangers who helped us yesterday; nice weather; air conditioning; good food. You name it.
Is it hokey? Maybe a little. But it has made me actually seek good things. I’ve had dozens of lousy days while doing this. Those days need Gratitude the most. I begrudgingly text: Ok, fine. Here are three things that aren’t terrible. And I believe it has slowly impacted my outlook for the better.
My work involves measuring wealth on some level. And I try to talk to my clients about financial wellbeing. The gap between what you already have and what you desire is called suffering. Gratitude cultivates an appreciation for what’s already present in our lives.
Today a friend shared, “Gratitude is the antidote to pride and despair.” That’s powerful. Grounding your life and your finances in Gratitude means understanding that today has immeasurable abundance. And it can be shared with others. And it doesn’t have to actually cost any money.
This week I am thankful to you, my readers and my clients. But not just this week. I try to be thankful all the time. What are you grateful for?
