The Busy Person’s Guide to Finding Gratitude in the Chaos

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught in a negative loop. We focus on everything that’s not going right, and before long, it seems like nothing in our lives is working out. But here's the thing—when things are going smoothly, we know that not everything is bad. Still, when we’re in a funk, it’s hard to see beyond our current struggles.

That’s where gratitude comes in.

Gratitude has the power to pull us out of that mindset where everything feels bleak. It forces us to step back, regain perspective, and recognize the good things in our lives. It’s a simple, yet powerful tool that reminds us that things aren’t as bad as they may seem.

It’s easy to be grateful when you’re feeling on top of the world, but it’s much harder when you’re feeling down. Our emotions shape our thoughts, and when we’re in a low mood, it’s natural for negative thoughts to take over. That’s when gratitude becomes even more crucial.

If you already have a gratitude practice, you’re ahead of the game. You know how to shift your mindset, no matter how you’re feeling. But if you’re new to gratitude or struggle to maintain a regular practice, I have a suggestion for you.

Evergreen Gratitude

Start by listing the top 10 things you’re grateful for. Write them down, print your list out on nice paper, and frame it. Hang it on a wall where you’ll see it every day. This constant reminder will keep gratitude front and center in your mind, making it harder for negative thoughts to take hold.

Bonus Gratitude Exercise: Holiday Edition

Here’s a fun gratitude exercise I do with my kids during the holiday season. It’s a great way to stay connected with the positives, especially in December when the days can get busy and stressful.

We start by cutting out a large Christmas tree shape from a piece of paper. Then, we cut out smaller shapes to serve as ornaments. Every evening throughout December, we share something good that happened that day or something we’re grateful for. We write it on an ornament and tape it to the tree.

By December 31st, we have 31 ornaments, each representing a good thing that happened that month. It’s a powerful visual reminder of how much positivity we often overlook when we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of life.

The beauty of this practice is simple: Gratitude shifts your focus. It trains your mind to notice the good and not just the bad. It reminds you that even on tough days, there’s something worth celebrating.

Life isn’t perfect, and we all have our struggles. But by practicing gratitude, we don’t get stuck in the negativity. Instead, we shift our focus to what’s going well, creating a sense of balance and peace in our busy lives.