Keeping the Momentum: When Gratitude Feels Hard
There will inevitably be days when sitting down to write in your gratitude journal feels like a chore. The well of thankfulness may feel dry, or you may simply feel uninspired. This is a normal part of any long-term practice. The key is to approach these moments with curiosity and compassion, not judgment.
On days when you can’t think of anything to write, go back to the absolute basics. Widen your lens to include the things that are so fundamental they are nearly invisible. Are you breathing? Do you have a place to sit? Did you have a meal today? Writing “I am grateful for the oxygen in the air” or “I am grateful for this chair holding me” might feel silly, but it reconnects you with the foundational good that supports your existence. It’s a way to prime the pump when you feel stuck.
Another strategy is to shift your focus from things to people. Think about one person who has shown you kindness, recently or in the distant past. It could be a cashier who smiled at you or a teacher from your childhood. Bring their face to mind and write a sentence about why you are grateful for them. This can shift your emotional state by tapping into feelings of connection.
It can also be helpful to track your progress in a friendly, low-pressure way. This isn’t about getting a score, but about noticing subtle shifts over time. At the end of each week, you might jot down a few words describing your general mood or energy level. You could also make a note of your sleep quality. Many people find that a regular gratitude practice can be a calming part of a bedtime routine, which may support better sleep. For more information on sleep hygiene, the Sleep Foundation is an excellent resource.
Most importantly, view setbacks as data, not failures. If you miss a day, or even a week, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed at gratitude. It just means you’re human. Instead of criticizing yourself, get curious. Ask, “What got in the way?” Perhaps your chosen time of day isn’t working anymore, or maybe you need a new, more inviting notebook. The practice is meant to serve you, not the other way around. Simply open your journal and begin again, starting with gratitude for the opportunity to start over.
Remember that gratitude is a practice, not a destination. Like physical exercise, its benefits come from consistency over time. Some days will feel easier and more fruitful than others. The goal is to keep showing up, even for just a minute, and to trust that these small, steady efforts are making a meaningful difference in your mental wellness.
