Gratitude has a way of grounding us—helping us see what’s here now instead of focusing on what’s missing.
In a world that often feels divided, taking a moment to express genuine appreciation has never mattered more. A thoughtful word, a considerate gesture, or a shared moment of connection can ripple outward, reminding us that kindness and compassion still have the power to bring us together.
Whether it’s a colleague who goes the extra mile, a friend who always checks in, or the quiet acts of strangers that make a difference, there’s so much to be grateful for.
Here at Wildflower, we are deeply grateful for you—our readers, clients, and colleagues. Your presence, your support, and the community we create together mean so much.
Our team wishes you and yours a joyful Thanksgiving! In the spirit of cultivating thankfulness, we’re sharing some of our team’s personal gratitude practices below. We hope they inspire you to begin, or continue, your own gratitude ritual. It’s good for you!
Chrissy Ellis: Each morning, I take a few moments to reflect on gratitude, focusing especially on my health and the ways my body allows me to move through the world. This practice helps me stay grounded in appreciation—recognizing not just what my body can do, but also the importance of viewing it with kindness rather than criticism, imperfections and all.
Aga Grabowski: When one of my children was younger, he struggled with asthma. Nighttime was often fraught with fear and uncertainty. Years later, I still tiptoe into my kids’ bedrooms after they’ve fallen asleep to listen to their deep, steady breaths. This evening ritual has turned into a gratitude practice that centers me like nothing else. I linger in the quiet darkness, taking in the peace of the moment and the awareness of how precious it is.
Eden Himidian: I find that a gratitude practice when I’m feeling overwhelmed, in a rush, or like there’s “too much to do, never enough time!!” is so helpful. I like to pause and focus on the thing I’m doing in that moment and acknowledge how much that means to me. For example, if I’m rushing to take my dogs out before I have to be somewhere, I look at them and remind myself just how much I love them. If I’m getting the kids ready for school I try to stop to really be in the moment and look at their little hands or feet when we’re putting shoes and gear on. It’s a way to remind myself that even while I’m feeling frustrated, there is so much to be grateful for. Not only does it soften the edges of the moment, it connects me to the “why” behind it all.
Rosemary Kelley: I was taught to make a gratitude list by starting with my senses…”I can see, I can walk, I can talk, I can feel (I may not like how I’m feeling, but I’m not numb), I have choices (even if I don’t know what they are yet)…” So during the day, taking a moment to notice the “obvious things”—like the sun reflecting in my house, the softness of one of my pets, the sound of a bird singing, the timeliness of a friend’s text—are all things that help to center me and remind me of “what is not wrong.”
Amanda Matousek: I practice gratitude while on my daily walks outside with my dogs. I make sure to limit distractions and overstimulation by putting my phone and headphones away while on my walks. This allows my mind and body to really be present with and have gratitude for my surroundings—the trees, the lake, the scenery in our beautiful city of Chicago, the sun, or a breath of fresh air!
Scott Meyer: Every Sunday evening, to bring an official end to the week and turn my intentions toward a new one, I do a sort of “grounding hour.” I list three things I am grateful for, big or small, then I spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on positive interactions, helpful realizations, action toward my goals, a bit of good news, or a productive response to not so good news — really anything and everything positive that is salient for me. I also give myself time to review my goals and reflect on how and when I took specific process steps toward them, which, almost without fail, surprises me in the best way each week. All of this serves as a reset oriented toward self-compassion and appreciation, like working a muscle.
Rachel Mintz: My partner and I practice gratitude every night before bed by sharing our “Top 3.” These are our top three favorite moments from the day. Over the years, this has helped me more easily appreciate difficult moments, as I’ve learned to find glimmers of good even on the hardest of days.
Sean Oakley: I often practice gratitude with sensory comforts, or things that I think of as reminding me that I am really just an animal (in a good way!). These are getting cozy in a nice blanket, hugging friends and loved ones, savoring a great meal, really listening to good music, and being appreciative of the Earth and the weather. I love going for mindful walks in all seasons, focusing on how beautiful the sky can be, how nice the trees look, and feeling the gravity of the planet, holding us securely in place as we fly through the vastness of space.
Anna Odarczenko: I like to practice gratitude by jotting down goals, brain dumps, and thoughts in my journal, which I carry with me almost everywhere. On days when I need a moment to feel grounded, I’ll flip through it, which helps me take a step back and appreciate the positives.
Gabby Pendley: My gratitude practice has to do with my infertility journey specifically. I try to often (not quite daily) look at photos from the time period when I went through infertility. It serves as a reminder (even on the most chaotic or stressful days) that there was a time that the life that I’m living right now was not only a dream, but something I was desperate for. Immediately takes me to a place of gratitude!
Marco Renzi: I really like to do focused journaling. Specifically, I will write down the strong emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations I am feeling at the beginning or end of a day. Then, when I am feeling down (and it feels overwhelming), I can look back and see that it has not always been nor will it always be like this, and it gives me a more accurate representation into the variety of life, which fills me with hope going forward as well as gratitude for the life I live.
Danelle Rhoades: When I’m feeling particularly ungrateful, I take some time to practice Loving Kindness—toward myself, those I care about, those who are neutral, and those who have done some harm. It’s challenging (especially sending well wishes to those who have hurt me), and it reminds me that every being on this planet, no matter how I feel about them, deserves to experience ease, happiness, safety, and health.
Madeline Wolfe: A few years ago, my toddler and I started a nightly practice we call “Grateful Things” where we each name 3 things we are grateful for. Initially it started as a helpful way to transition her from the storytime chair into her bed, and now it is an established thing that she and I do every night before she goes to sleep. Hers are often the same “I am grateful for cozy beds, I’m grateful for BunBun (her stuffy), and I’m grateful for the fun day.” I’m often surprised by how grounded I feel after naming my own, and that they are different each day. This has been a special practice for both of us.
Stefanie Cobb: My approach to gratitude often shifts depending on what my body and mind can handle. On days that feel particularly heavy, I start small. I pause to notice the stillness around me, light my favorite scented candle, enjoy a delicious treat, or simply ask my partner for a hug.
I also frequently turn to nature. Whether I’m noticing the way the light filters through the trees, watching my dog explore, or observing the crashing waves of Lake Michigan, nature reminds me that I am part of something much larger.
Another powerful practice involves reflecting on my past selves. I imagine the younger versions of me who had no idea how things would unfold and how proud they would be of where I am today. Holding space for them, and for the entire journey that brought me here, fills me with a deep sense of appreciation.
For me, gratitude is not about forcing positivity. It is about softening into what is already present: my body, my breath, the natural world, and the many versions of myself who carried me to this moment. On the hardest days, that feels like more than enough.
