Finding Gratitude Even During the Tough Times
November invites us to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and notice the small things that hold us steady. It’s the season of gratitude, yet for many people, this season doesn’t automatically feel light or joyful. In fact, it’s often a time when stress, loneliness, grief, and pressure bubble to the surface.
Gratitude, though, isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It isn’t forced positivity or overlooking the heaviness you may be carrying. Gratitude is simply the practice of noticing the moments that feel grounding, comforting, or hopeful even when life feels messy or overwhelming.
Gratitude During Hard Seasons Looks Different
When someone is navigating a transition, struggling in their relationship, carrying the mental load of motherhood, or working through recovery or healing, gratitude can feel out of reach. That’s normal. During difficult chapters, gratitude becomes less about big, sweeping moments and more about quiet truths like:
“I made it through today.”
“Someone checked in on me.”
“I paused long enough to take one deep breath.”
“There is still something in my life that brings me comfort.”
These are not small things. They are signs of resilience.
You Don’t Have to Feel Thankful to Practice Gratitude
The beauty of gratitude is that it can coexist with grief, burnout, frustration, or uncertainty. We can honor both.
You can be grateful for your partner while feeling stuck in the “roommate stage.”
You can be grateful for your children while overwhelmed by the mental load.
You can be grateful for your progress while still healing.
You can be grateful for support even as you navigate recovery.
Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard parts. It simply gives your nervous system moments of rest.
Small Ways to Invite Gratitude This Month
If you’re unsure where to begin, here are gentle practices that don’t require you to feel “in the right headspace” first:
Name one moment of relief each day. A warm cup of coffee, a quiet room, a supportive text.
Practice mindful pauses. Take one intentional breath before transitioning to your next task.
Reflect on who or what is holding you right now. A friend, a routine, a coping skill, or a piece of your own courage.
Acknowledge your growth. Even if it feels small or invisible to others.
Let gratitude be soft, not forced. Some days gratitude is a whisper, not a celebration—and that still counts.
Gratitude Is a Practice of Self-Compassion
As therapists, we see every day how powerful it can be to slow down long enough to recognize what is still good, still gentle, still supporting you. Gratitude doesn’t fix everything, but it changes the way we move through what we’re facing.
This November, we hope you give yourself permission to honor both your struggles and your strengths. Gratitude belongs to you… even now, even here, even in the tough seasons.
If this time of year feels heavy, you’re not alone. Floating Feather Counseling is here to support you through the transitions, the stress, and the moments that feel too big to hold by yourself.