Real gratitude helps us see

The Real Gratitude tool is a refreshing approach to embracing gratitude in an authentic and balanced way. Use this tool to develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a healthier outlook on life.

How to use the tool

• Introduce the Concept of Real Gratitude
  • Explain: Share how our brains naturally focus on the negative and how gratitude helps us find balance. Emphasize that real gratitude isn’t about ignoring struggles but about making space for both the good and the bad.
  • Prompt: Ask:
    • “What does gratitude mean to you?”
    • “Have you ever felt pressured to only focus on the positive?”
• Explore the Three Perspectives
  • Activity: Use the poster to explain the three mindsets:
    • What we usually see: Negative thoughts and experiences.
    • What we think we should see: Toxic positivity, where only good things are acknowledged.
    • What real gratitude helps us see: A balanced view of both struggles and blessings.
  • Prompt: Ask:
    • “Can you think of a time when you’ve experienced both challenges and moments of gratitude?”
• Practice Gratitude Journaling
  • Activity: Create a gratitude journal with two sections:
    • Challenges: Write about an upsetting or difficult experience.
    • Blessings: Reflect on something positive they might have overlooked.
  • Prompt: Use guided questions like:
    • “What’s one thing that felt hard today?”
    • “What’s something small that made you smile today?”
• Facilitate Group Sharing
  • Activity: In small groups, share one challenge and one positive experience they’ve written about. Encourage active listening and empathy.
  • Prompt: Ask:
    • “How did it feel to acknowledge both the hard and the good?”
    • “What did you learn from hearing others’ stories?”
• Reinforce Gratitude as a Daily Habit
  • Activity: Create a “Gratitude Wall” in your space to post notes about their challenges and blessings. Update it regularly to normalize the practice of balanced gratitude.
  • Home Practice: Encourage sharing one gratitude reflection with family at dinner or bedtime.

Benefits of using the tool

• Develop emotional resilience: Acknowledging both struggles and joys fosters a balanced mindset.
• Enhance self-awareness: Reflecting on experiences helps us understand our emotions better.
• Build empathy: Sharing gratitude with others encourages compassion and connection.
• Cultivate a growth mindset: Recognizing that challenges often lead to personal growth encourages optimism.