Finding Gratitude in Every Season
Walker BirdGratitude is a path through the forest that leads to freedom.
You are entering the season where the earth slows down, where nature seems to fade and rest. The leaves that turned glorious gold and crimson in the fall now lie in crumpled brown piles. The afternoons are short, the shadows grow long, and the sun fades to an angled glow in the southern sky. This is the season to reflect—on what the year has brought, the joys and sorrows, the laughter and perceived losses, everything you’ve learned, and everything you’ve gained.
Practicing daily gratitude will change your life for the better. It’s not just about holiday feasts or fleeting moments of appreciation. Gratitude is a way of being, a mindset that transforms how you experience life.
This year, I lost my best friend. He was furry, noble, and full of joy. He loved with complete abandon. I hoped he’d stay until 2026, but somehow, we always think things will last forever.
Loss reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. It’s humbling to realize that in two generations, no one will remember how your eyes sparkled when you laughed, your sassy sense of humor, or the people and animals you loved. This isn’t new—it’s been the way of the world throughout history. Yet, there is a breadcrumb trail through the forest of impermanence, which is gratitude.
Nature Shows Us How to Weather Every Season
So, what do we do with this season of stillness? The earth holds the answer. What seems like death is often just a turning within—a return to Source. Did you know trees extend their root systems in winter as far as their branches grow in spring and summer? The energy gathered from the sun during the summer is stored in their roots, laying the foundation for stronger growth when spring returns.
You are no different. Life brings a series of springs, summers, falls, and winters. Going within during your personal winters prepares you to thrive when the next spring arrives. The stronger your roots, the more vibrant your blooms.
Finding Strength in Impermanence
Impermanence is certain, but when you embrace it, you find the strength to grow. How do you experience true joy? How do you find peace or love fully, knowing that nothing lasts? How do you live with abandon in the face of life’s transience? And why even bother, knowing we will all eventually return home?
The answer lies in gratitude. Gratitude doesn’t make the impermanent permanent but makes the fleeting precious. It transforms pain into growth, scarcity into abundance, and darkness into light. Even during the longest nights of the soul, gratitude whispers, “Try again tomorrow.”
Simple Gratitude Practices to Transform Your Life
Gratitude is a skill you can nurture, and it doesn’t require much—just intention and consistency.
1. Start a Gratitude Journal
Before you pick up your phone each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. Keep it simple: “I am grateful for…” At the end of your list, say out loud: “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
At night, repeat the practice. Write three more things you’re grateful for from that day. This small habit creates a positive feedback loop in your brain, helping you notice more reasons to be thankful. By the end of a year, you’ll have 2,190 reasons why life matters.
If you’re ready to begin this life-changing practice, consider investing in a dedicated gratitude journal. Explore the selection of beautiful, purposefully designed journals here to make this habit even more meaningful.
2. Find a Gratitude Buddy
Share gratitude with someone you love—a child, spouse, parent, or friend. Take turns sharing three things you’re grateful for each day. Listen deeply without interrupting or fixing. This simple practice can deepen connections and create a beautiful ritual to end each day.
3. Practice Gratitude in the Moment
Throughout the day, pause to notice the little things: the warmth of the sun on your face, a kind word from a stranger, or the comfort of your favorite sweater. These small moments of gratitude add up and remind you that life is full of beauty, even in the ordinary.
Gratitude Changes Everything
Betty Scott, a wise teacher I’m grateful for, often told me: “The more you see, the more you can see.” With practice, gratitude creates a “positivity bias,” training your mind to focus on what’s good in life. The more you notice the good, the more good seems to come your way.
If you’d like to learn more about Betty’s wisdom and her incredible insights, tune in to episode 5 of the My Inner Knowing podcast: "Betty ~ Remembering What I Forgot."
I am grateful you shared this space with me today. I am grateful you kept reading. I am grateful to share my heart with you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Start your gratitude journey today with a journal designed for reflection and growth.
—Walker Bird