The calendar may say it’s Thanksgiving week, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready for it. If 2025 has been demanding or disappointing, gratitude might feel like one more thing you’re supposed to do, not something that comes naturally.
That’s okay. Recognizing what it will take for you to get to gratitude is a worthwhile journey.
If you are finding it difficult to be grateful, here are some questions to consider:
How’s your pace? Examine whether you have the time to reflect, move, rest, and connect. When we move too quickly through our days, we can become numb to all that’s good in our lives.
What’s challenging for you right now? If you have too many answers to this question, recognize that being overloaded makes it hard to embrace simple joys.
What changes are you currently making? Humans are wired for progress. Self-aware leaders notice where better is needed and move toward growth with intention. Reflect on how you’ve grown as a leader this year, whether in your skills, mindset, or key relationships. When you focus on how far you’ve come, not just how far you still have to go, gratitude becomes easier to access.
Who needs you to show up? Service to others is a powerful way to get back in touch with feelings of compassion, empathy, and care. These emotions are close cousins of gratitude and can inspire thankfulness within us.
As we approach Thanksgiving, embrace it as a time to go easy on yourself and to be gracious with others. Often, gratitude is less about everything being “right” and more about actively focusing on the gift of the present. Simple actions like holding the space to deeply listen to someone, planning a quiet morning on your own, or approaching a holiday gathering sincerely wanting to relax and connect can be fulfilling paths to recognizing what you’re most thankful for.
