I have fallen off in my gratitude practice in the past year. And I'm suddenly wondering if that's part of why it feels so much harder to handle these heavy times. I'm all on board to start fresh with everyone here!
I love the beautiful and specific sentences you shared that more deeply express gratitude. And as ridiculous as it may sound, I've never expressed gratitude for the creative process itself. Or my ability to write. So thank you for that reminder.
I am grateful for everyday of life given to me. I have written two historical articles this week for future publication in the National Herald.
I am always on the lookout for new archival documents to write my pieces. History is written from official documents held in national archives. We are so lucky today that governments are digitizing some of their archival collections making them available to historians.
Love this. I started writing five gratitudes each day several years ago and it's changed me. I feel myself being more content in my life instead always wishing for something else. It's not perfect, but it's helped me appreciate the present.
This really resonated with me—especially the way you connect gratitude to attention. That shift from entitlement back to wonder feels so true, not just creatively but neurologically. When attention softens, creativity breathes again. I love the reminder that gratitude isn’t about grand gestures, but about noticing the small, specific moments that make a life feel inhabited. Beautifully said.
Mmm, "noticing the small, specific moments that make a life feel inhabited", beautifully said indeed. Thank you for sharing what resonated with you, Casey.
Excellent essay, and I am grateful for it, Joanna. I could so relate to this interior monologue you share: “I know plot structure, so why is this story not working?! I got an agent, so why is this book not selling? I have a block of time, so why are the words not flowing?!” And so I took right on board your own wisdom: “As I expected certain outcomes from myself and the world, I became jaded and angry with the writing and publishing process and needed to take a break. I had work to do, and only returned when my gratitude for the creative process resurfaced. “ I will join you & the community in this practice. I have engaged with gratitude practices and journals now & then, not consistently, so ‘small and specific,’ connected to an already-established routine sounds perfect. For me, that’s turning to my journal & morning pages first thing. I’ll have my little dedicated gratitude journal beside it, set out before bed, to help me establish the habit. Look forward to sharing in the thread.
I feel grateful to know which pieces of my essay and experience resonated with you. Thank you for taking the time to share and connect. Delighted that you will join me. 😊
I really appreciate the connection you made between creativity and gratitude, how the intentionality of noticing and appreciating the little things can improve our creativity. I love your idea of sharing a grateful moment each week and look forward to seeing what others notice and appreciate. Thank you for sharing your insights on this topic!
I am thankful that God has given me another day of life. That is showing gratitude to our creator who provides everything for us and to appreciate the beautiful things of nature.
I am in Australia and it is 6.22 am Jan 21. I love going to this pond near where I live and watch the ducks and native birds enjoy their day. It is doesn't matter whether it is raining, cold or sunny, everyday has its beauty. I admire nature which is God's beautiful creation
Another day of life granted to me. Remember tomorrow is not promised to us. We must take full advantage of everyday to achieve our goals. I am working hard to leave a legacy for others to follow and do it better than me.
I have fallen off in my gratitude practice in the past year. And I'm suddenly wondering if that's part of why it feels so much harder to handle these heavy times. I'm all on board to start fresh with everyone here!
Yay!!! Friends make it fun. We can keep each other from falling.
I love this! I'm really looking forward to sharing and reading others moments of gratitude.
I feel a flutter of joy whenever I see that you've commented in our community. Thank you for your enthusiasm and curiosity.
I love the beautiful and specific sentences you shared that more deeply express gratitude. And as ridiculous as it may sound, I've never expressed gratitude for the creative process itself. Or my ability to write. So thank you for that reminder.
I feel a little thrill imagining what might happen when you explore this. I found that the muse loves it when you make a fuss over her. ✨
I am grateful for everyday of life given to me. I have written two historical articles this week for future publication in the National Herald.
I am always on the lookout for new archival documents to write my pieces. History is written from official documents held in national archives. We are so lucky today that governments are digitizing some of their archival collections making them available to historians.
Love this. I started writing five gratitudes each day several years ago and it's changed me. I feel myself being more content in my life instead always wishing for something else. It's not perfect, but it's helped me appreciate the present.
I took a slow, deep breath after reading about your sense of contentment. Thank you for sharing 💕
This really resonated with me—especially the way you connect gratitude to attention. That shift from entitlement back to wonder feels so true, not just creatively but neurologically. When attention softens, creativity breathes again. I love the reminder that gratitude isn’t about grand gestures, but about noticing the small, specific moments that make a life feel inhabited. Beautifully said.
Mmm, "noticing the small, specific moments that make a life feel inhabited", beautifully said indeed. Thank you for sharing what resonated with you, Casey.
Excellent essay, and I am grateful for it, Joanna. I could so relate to this interior monologue you share: “I know plot structure, so why is this story not working?! I got an agent, so why is this book not selling? I have a block of time, so why are the words not flowing?!” And so I took right on board your own wisdom: “As I expected certain outcomes from myself and the world, I became jaded and angry with the writing and publishing process and needed to take a break. I had work to do, and only returned when my gratitude for the creative process resurfaced. “ I will join you & the community in this practice. I have engaged with gratitude practices and journals now & then, not consistently, so ‘small and specific,’ connected to an already-established routine sounds perfect. For me, that’s turning to my journal & morning pages first thing. I’ll have my little dedicated gratitude journal beside it, set out before bed, to help me establish the habit. Look forward to sharing in the thread.
I feel grateful to know which pieces of my essay and experience resonated with you. Thank you for taking the time to share and connect. Delighted that you will join me. 😊
I really appreciate the connection you made between creativity and gratitude, how the intentionality of noticing and appreciating the little things can improve our creativity. I love your idea of sharing a grateful moment each week and look forward to seeing what others notice and appreciate. Thank you for sharing your insights on this topic!
Excited to have another buddy on board. 😊 I'll start the gratitude thread this Thursday.
Thank you for your kind words, Joanna. I really love reading your and Evelyn's Substack posts. I'm glad to be here!
I am thankful that God has given me another day of life. That is showing gratitude to our creator who provides everything for us and to appreciate the beautiful things of nature.
What's one specific thing you noticed in nature today, Terry?
I am in Australia and it is 6.22 am Jan 21. I love going to this pond near where I live and watch the ducks and native birds enjoy their day. It is doesn't matter whether it is raining, cold or sunny, everyday has its beauty. I admire nature which is God's beautiful creation
Hello ducks. I enjoyed imagining your pond all the way across the world.
Another day of life granted to me. Remember tomorrow is not promised to us. We must take full advantage of everyday to achieve our goals. I am working hard to leave a legacy for others to follow and do it better than me.
A most excellent synopsis! Thank you for showing me the parts that really resonated with you. I learned something here.