How gratitude illuminates what we have before it's lost

Nov 23 / Peter Piñón

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The saying “You don’t know what you have until you lose it” paints a painful picture of human nature’s tendency to take things for granted.

But, there’s a powerful antidote to this often regretful realization: the practice of gratitude.

Let’s explores how cultivating a habit of gratitude can help us appreciate the richness of our lives before it slips away.

Why do we take things for granted?

When you have so much going on, it’s easy to overlook the blessings that fill your daily life.

Maybe it’s the comfort of a warm home, the company of friends and family, or the smell of your morning coffee, life’s everyday comforts can fade into the backdrop of your full routines.

Without realizing it, you can fall into a pattern of recognizing the value of these treasures only in their absence.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

Enter gratitude - a practice as simple as it is significant.

Gratitude is more than just saying ‘thank you’; it’s an intentional and regular practice of recognizing, appreciating, and expressing the value of what we have (or of what we had).

This awareness of the positive aspects of our lives shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s present, turning ordinary moments into gifts worthy of appreciation.

Why is gratitude such a big deal?

Research by Robert Emmons has repeatedly shown that practicing gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling life (see Resource List for more info).

Psychologically, it boosts happiness and reduces depression.

Physically, it improves sleep and strengthens the immune system.

Socially, it deepens relationships and fosters a supportive community.

By acknowledging and appreciating what we have, gratitude enhances our perception, allowing us to see and appreciate the present provision in our lives.

How can we be more grateful?

Here are 4 practical ways to cultivate gratitude:

1. Gratitude Journaling: Regularly write down things you are thankful for.

2. Intentional Reflections: Take moments to truly be present and appreciate your surroundings.

3. Gratitude Prompts: Use daily prompts to remind you to think of things you’re grateful for.

4. Expressing Thanks: Actively thank people in your life and explain why you appreciate them.

What if we find it hard to be grateful?

Even in loss, gratitude can be a beacon of hope and resilience.

For many of you, it will be hard to practice gratitude until you’ve acknowledged and started to process your loss.

Grief helps us remember the good times and lessons learned from who or what we had, providing a healthy perspective on life’s inevitable ups and downs, blessings and losses.

Grief and gratitude teach us that while we can’t control every aspect of our lives, we can control our response to it.

It's not gratitude vs grief. It's grief and gratitude. You need them both.

And, if you're not grieving, then the practice of gratitude illuminates the beauty and value of what you have before you loss it (or lose them).

It’s a tool that not only enhances our appreciation for life but also strengthens us against taking our blessings for granted in the future.

By integrating gratitude into our daily lives, we can live more fully, aware of the blessings we possess at this moment, and less likely to overlook the treasures hidden in plain sight.