As I sit down to write this, I’m reflecting on the themes we explored in Episode 10 of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast. Gratitude is supposed to be easy, right? You count your blessings—family, friends, a roof over your head—and everything feels lighter. But sometimes, it’s not that simple.
Three years ago, I lost my mom. She was my anchor, my north star, and her absence changed how I experience the holidays. Gratitude, which once came naturally, began to feel like an obligation, a list of things to check off without much meaning behind them.
Even when surrounded by loved ones, I felt an ache I couldn’t explain.
I started to wonder:
What if gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff but making space for it?
A New Way to Think About Gratitude
One Thanksgiving, instead of forcing myself to feel grateful, I tried something different. I wrote down not just the things I was thankful for but also the things I was grieving—my frustrations, fears, and disappointments.
And something shifted.
Acknowledging the messy, complicated parts of life didn’t erase the grief, but it gave my gratitude a new depth. It became real—not the kind of gratitude you say to be polite, but the kind that feels like an anchor in the middle of life’s storms.
Finding Gratitude in Life’s Messiness
Gratitude, I’ve learned, isn’t about perfection. It’s about noticing what steadies you when everything else feels uncertain.
It’s the friend who checks in on you, even when you don’t know how to ask for help. It’s the stranger who smiles at you on a hard day. It’s the courage to keep showing up, even when life feels overwhelming.
And for me, it’s this community.
Each of you who listen to Speaking of Phenomenal reminds me why connection matters. Sharing our stories isn’t just about being vulnerable—it’s about healing and transformation.
An Invitation
If you’re struggling to feel grateful this season, don’t force it. Instead, ask yourself: What am I holding onto that I need to let go of?
Gratitude doesn’t have to be big or loud. Sometimes, it’s found in the quietest moments—a deep breath, a steady heartbeat, or the smallest flicker of hope.
What’s Next?
We’ll be back the week of December 9 with the final two episodes of Season 4. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you: What does gratitude look like for you this season?
Let’s continue this conversation. Your stories and reflections are what make this community so special.
Until next time, stay phenomenal.
-Amy
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