A couple of decades ago, I remember watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show where Oprah introduced the idea of gratitude journals. This was long before they became the popular self-help tool they are today. The concept was simple: every day, write down a few things you are grateful for. At the time, I thought it was a wonderful idea – and I still do. But, like many, I’ve noticed how easy it is for gratitude journaling to become generic: “I’m grateful for my family,” “I’m grateful for my health,” or “I’m grateful for sunny days.” While there is nothing wrong with these sentiments, I believe true gratitude requires us to go deeper, to be specific, and to reflect on what even the tough times can teach us.
As we head into the end of 2024 and look forward to the new year, I invite you to take a moment to think about what you are grateful for in this past year. Look back at both the good times and the bad. What lessons have they brought you? What unexpected gifts have emerged from challenges?
For me, 2024 has been a year of amazing highs but also profound lows. One of the most challenging experiences was the decline in health and eventual passing of my father-in-law. It was an intensely difficult and heartbreaking journey, but as I reflect on it, I realise how much I’ve gained in terms of perspective and growth.
This experience taught me to be grateful for life and health while I have them. Every day that I draw breath is another opportunity to live my purpose, to bring encouragement to others, and to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the present moment. It taught me to be kinder and more empathetic – to truly see and support others in their struggles. And it taught me to laugh amidst the tears, to find light even in the darkest of times, and to keep moving forward.
Gratitude comes in many guises. As you reflect on 2024, I encourage you to take a specific approach to your gratitude. Look beyond the surface and ask yourself:
What moments in 2024 brought you joy or inspiration?
What challenges shaped you in unexpected ways?
What relationships, even those that stretched or tested you, taught you something valuable?
Write these down. Be intentional. As you step into 2025 you can carry this sense of gratitude with you and use it as a foundation for growth, a reminder of your resilience, and a source of strength. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling – it’s a tool for perspective, purpose, and connection.
Most importantly, consider how your blessings can become a blessing to others. How can you take the lessons, joys, and even the heartaches of this year and use them to make a difference in someone else’s life?
As we close out this year, let’s do so with full hearts and open minds, ready to embrace whatever 2025 has in store. May your reflections bring clarity and hope, and may your gratitude inspire the year ahead.
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