Gratitude That Grows in the Hard Seasons
Life isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it feels like the hard times never end, especially when you're healing from a toxic relationship, facing personal struggles, or navigating the unpredictable challenges life throws at you. When the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry, it can be hard to imagine how gratitude has any place in your heart. But here's the thing: gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff or pretending everything is okay. It’s about finding what’s still true, still good, and still yours, even when it feels like so much has been lost.
Gratitude during tough times isn’t toxic positivity. It’s not about forcing a smile or pretending to be okay when you're not. It's not about ignoring your pain or sweeping it under the rug. Instead, it’s about anchoring yourself in the things that still matter—the small, often overlooked things that, even in the hardest seasons, can remind you that you are alive, you are moving forward, and there is still beauty in the world, even if it's in the tiniest forms.
The Power of Gratitude in Hard Times
When you’re deep in the midst of pain, whether it’s the aftermath of a toxic relationship or just the everyday struggles of life, gratitude can feel like an impossible practice. How can you be thankful when everything feels broken? How can you find anything to be grateful for when your world feels upside down?
But gratitude isn't about denying the pain; it's about acknowledging it and still choosing to see what’s good. It's about finding the moments of light, however small they might be. It's about remembering that even in the hardest seasons, something is still worth being thankful for. These small moments of gratitude can help you stay grounded, helping you hold onto the parts of yourself that are still whole.
Gratitude becomes your lifeline, a thread that helps you hold on, a connection to what’s real and true in your life, even when things feel uncertain. It doesn’t have to be grand, and it doesn’t have to make everything better. It just has to be genuine.
Gratitude Isn’t About Perfection—it’s About Presence
Gratitude doesn’t require you to have everything figured out, nor does it mean you can’t feel the weight of your emotions. Instead, it invites you to be present with where you are, acknowledging both the pain and the blessings. Sometimes, your gratitude might be as simple as breathing in a deep, grounding breath or having a quiet moment to yourself. And that’s okay. It’s all about the little things.
A deep breath after a long day of struggle. A kind word from a friend. A cup of tea, just hot enough to warm your hands. The sound of rain on your window. These are the things that, when appreciated, become anchors that remind you: you are still here, still moving, still living.
Tiny Gratitude Practice to Try
Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or require a long list of things. It can be as simple as a few words or moments. Here’s a quick practice to help you build a gratitude habit, even on your toughest days:
Pause for a Moment: Take a minute to stop whatever you’re doing. Put down your phone, your work, your to-do list—just pause.
Take a Deep Breath: Inhale slowly, filling your lungs completely, then exhale with a sigh. Let go of any tension, if only for a second.
Ask Yourself: What is one thing I’m grateful for right now? It could be something small like the warmth of your blanket or the support of a friend, or even the fact that you’ve survived another day. No answer is too small.
Express Your Gratitude: Say it out loud, write it down, or keep it in your heart. Just acknowledge it.
End with a Deep Breath: Close your eyes for a moment and take another deep breath. Sit with your gratitude for a few seconds before you move forward.
Gratitude Journal Prompt:
What is one small thing I can be grateful for today? How does it make me feel to focus on that, even for just a moment?
Why Gratitude Matters in the Hard Seasons
Gratitude doesn't erase your pain or make things magically better—but it does help shift your focus. It gives you something to hold onto when everything feels uncertain, and it reminds you that you are not your struggles. You are not defined by what you’ve lost, but by what you choose to see and embrace.
Gratitude helps you reclaim the good. Even if it's just one small moment each day, it’s a reminder that you are still worthy of peace, joy, and connection. Even in the darkest times, gratitude can be a light to guide you forward, no matter how small the spark.
So, on the days when it feels too hard to be thankful, start small. Don’t worry about having a perfect gratitude list. Just notice the moments that make you pause, that make you breathe a little easier, and allow yourself to be grateful for those.
Gratitude in hard seasons isn’t about perfection or pretending. It’s about showing up for yourself with what’s true and choosing to see the light where you can.
And if you ever need help finding those moments of gratitude, or if you just need to talk through the hard seasons you’re facing, I’m here for you. Reach out to me at kerry@kerryrasenberger.com anytime. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Complimentary Happy Life Assessment
If you're ready to explore how truly happy you are in various aspects of your life, take Kerry’s free Happy Life Assessment today. This incredible tool offers valuable insights into areas that may need more nurturing. Don't wait—it's time to Rediscover YOU!
