Ending the Year with the Word and Action of Gratitude
BY YOLANDE CLARK-JACKSON
As we approach the end of another year, it’s natural to reflect on the journey we’ve taken—on the highs and the lows, the joys and the challenges. This time of reflection offers an opportunity not just to look back, but to look forward, to set intentions for the year ahead. Amid all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget that gratitude—especially when things are not going as we expect—has the power to transform our mindset and propel us forward.
Dr. Christiana Ibilola Awosan beautifully encapsulates this sentiment when she says, “Ending the year with gratitude, even if things are not going the way we want them to, and at the same time being true to ourselves, can help us nurture hope into action.” As we close out this year, gratitude is not just an emotion but a practice—one that can help us embrace both our struggles and our triumphs with grace.
Gratitude in the Face of Struggle
The truth is, many of us have faced difficult moments this year. Whether it’s been personal loss, professional setbacks, or unexpected life challenges, it’s easy to feel disillusioned or overwhelmed. But as Chadwick Boseman wisely said, “The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.” The difficulties we face are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones that help us grow, discover our resilience, and ultimately align with our true purpose.
Gratitude in times of hardship doesn’t mean ignoring the pain or pretending everything is fine. It means acknowledging that, despite the struggles, we are still standing. As marriage and family therapist, Kachael Stocks says, “Practicing gratitude is a practice in being present rather than being stuck in the past or future. It’s not toxic positivity; it doesn’t bypass the struggles. Instead, it weaves a present-focused net of safety around you which helps you navigate those struggles.”
Gratitude isn’t about minimizing our pain; but about recognizing that, even in difficulty, we have something to be thankful for. It’s the quiet strength of knowing that tomorrow holds new opportunities, that we are surrounded by love, and that we still have the capacity to grow and heal.
Shifting Focus: A Daily Practice of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude can be as simple as taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have or what we wish was different. But as Oprah Winfrey reminds us, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Gratitude shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance. It trains our minds to recognize the gifts already present in our lives.
Here are a few simple ways you can begin to end the year with gratitude:
Start and End Your Day with Gratitude: Take a moment in the morning and evening to think about three things you are thankful for. It can be as simple as a cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or the warmth of your home. Small moments of appreciation add up.
Cultivate a Gratitude Journal: Writing down what you’re thankful for can create a tangible record of positivity. When the hard days come, you can look back on your journal to remind yourself of how much you’ve already overcome and how much you already have.
Practice Gratitude in Action: Express your appreciation not just through words but through actions. Reach out to someone and let them know how much they mean to you. Share your time, resources, or skills with those in need.
Meditate on Gratitude: If you’ve never tried meditation, now might be the perfect time to start. A simple gratitude meditation can center your mind and calm your spirit, allowing you to focus on what you have, rather than what you lack.
Be Present: As Stocks reminds us, gratitude is about being present. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and fully appreciate the here and now. It can be a game-changer, especially in times of uncertainty.
The Power of Saying “Thank You”
Gratitude is also about recognition—the act of acknowledging the people and moments that bring light into our lives. Alice Walker said, “Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.” A heartfelt “thank you” can transform relationships, deepen connections, and open the door for new possibilities.
But gratitude isn’t only about expressing appreciation to others; it’s also about showing appreciation to yourself. Audre Lorde’s words, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare,” remind us that taking care of our own well-being is a vital part of the gratitude practice. When we nurture ourselves, we create the space to give back to others more fully.
Looking Forward with Hope and Faith
As we reflect on the past year and prepare for the new one, it’s important to remember that gratitude isn’t just about looking back—it’s also about looking ahead. Maya Angelou said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” Gratitude opens the door to faith—a belief in something greater than ourselves, in the goodness of life, and in the possibility of new beginnings.
So, as we close this year, let’s commit to ending it with gratitude, no matter where we are on our journey. Let’s practice thankfulness for both the moments of joy and the lessons learned in hardship. Let’s express appreciation to those who have been a source of support, and let’s honor our own resilience.
The year may not have unfolded the way we imagined, but as August Wilson reminds us, “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.” When we end the year with gratitude, we are not only honoring the past, but also creating the foundation for a hopeful, purposeful future for yourself.
A Closing Thought
Gratitude is a powerful tool that connects us to the present moment, to the people who walk alongside us, and to the strength we carry within ourselves.
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