Word-Of-the-Week #1083: Gratitude
May 22, 2025 by Susan Clarke
Gratitude – a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation.
Do you know that expressing gratitude regularly can increase overall happiness and reduce depression? Are you taking time to appreciate life’s small wonders?
This week features the last half of “The happiest people in the world say “yes” to these 5 things, according to science” by Tina Fey at DMNews.com
To Recap: “We all know someone who seems to radiate happiness from the inside out.
They’re the kind of people who appear genuinely content—through both ups and downs—and make us wonder, What’s their secret? They have…
- A sense of purpose
- Healthy relationships and community
- Continuous growth and learning
- Practicing gratitude
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings,” the writer William Arthur Ward once said, and I couldn’t agree more.
There’s nothing quite like pausing to appreciate life’s small wonders—warm sunshine, a good meal, or a caring text from a friend—to immediately shift your mindset.
In fact, Harvard Health research points out that expressing gratitude regularly can increase overall happiness and reduce depression.
This doesn’t require a grand gesture. A simple habit like writing down three things you’re grateful for at the end of the day can make a lasting impact.
I started doing it in my thirties, and it was so subtle at first that I barely noticed a difference. But over time, I realized that the moments I used to brush off were actually precious highlights.
If it’s not part of your routine already, consider giving it a try. It’s a small “yes” that can have a huge ripple effect on your daily life.
- Mindful self-care
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about self-care—an area where many of us struggle to say “yes.”
Between work responsibilities, family obligations, and social gatherings, setting aside “me time” can feel like a luxury.
However, I’ve learned that it’s not just an indulgence; it’s vital for mental well-being.
Over the years, I’ve seen clients push themselves to the brink of burnout because they believed self-care was frivolous. Then they’d collapse physically, mentally, or emotionally, and they’d realize how crucial it really is.
Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a good book, practicing yoga, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, these moments replenish your reserves.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on spa days—true self-care often involves basic self-attention.
This is backed by science, too. Taking time to relax and re-center has been linked to lower stress levels and increased emotional resilience.
In my own life, a few minutes of daily meditation have become non-negotiable, and I genuinely believe it makes me a calmer, more present partner, friend, and counselor.
- Final thoughts
If you’re already saying “yes” to some of these areas, congratulate yourself—it’s not always easy to prioritize what truly matters.
If you feel like you’re not quite there yet, that’s okay. It’s never too late to start making small shifts that point you in a happier direction.
The common thread among these five factors—purpose, relationships, gratitude, growth, and self-care—is that they all nurture who you are as a whole person.
They’re not quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions; rather, they’re guiding lights that you can adapt to fit your own life and preferences.
Wherever you are on your happiness journey, I hope these insights give you fresh ideas to explore. Feel free to pick just one to begin with, then gradually incorporate the others in a way that feels comfortable.
After all, life is a process—and the most fulfilling journeys often start with a simple “yes.”
This week’s focus is on gratitude. How would it feel to write down three things you are grateful for each day? Are you taking time to relax and re-center to replenish your reserves? Would you like to have less stress and be calmer and more present?
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