Why Practicing Gratitude Can Transform Your Writing and Your Life

Lisa [01:00]:

Professionally, I hold space for many people—courageous writers, my clients, my students working on tough stories, my podcast guests, and those in my life experiencing challenges, whether deeply personal or more broadly connected to the world. To hold space for others, I first have to hold space for myself. Gratitude is one of the practices I use to stay grounded.

Lisa [02:00]:

Gratitude is the process of looking for the good—what we might call the bright spots in the midst of dark times. It’s a vital practice, not only for mental health but also for physical well-being. Expressing gratitude releases dopamine and serotonin, which improve immune function and signals to your nervous system that you’re safe. This allows you to operate from a place of strength rather than fear. In doing so, you connect with your power.

However, we must ensure our gratitude practice doesn’t bypass our real feelings. Here’s a pet peeve of mine: the idea that you can simply “turn a frown upside down” and everything will be fine. That approach ignores how you truly feel. Thanksgiving is a good time to talk about this because it’s a loaded holiday. For some, it’s a day of mourning or a time to face family dynamics that may be triggering or traumatic. Others may spend it alone, grappling with societal expectations of connection. I’ve experienced all these scenarios, and they can be really difficult.

Lisa [03:30]:

So, how do we hold space for our feelings while practicing gratitude? The answer lies in the both-and—acknowledging the hard while also recognizing what’s going well. I learned this lesson when I was very sick with Lyme disease and thought I might not survive. Every day, I felt horrible. Denying it didn’t help, so I had to allow myself to feel the disappointment, sadness, and grief. At the same time, I looked for one small anchor of goodness—a bright spot that kept me from slipping into despair.

For instance, even when everything felt bleak, I would say, I am grateful that I can breathe. I couldn’t always see or feel the significance of that gratitude, but it was a tangible anchor. Over time, these moments helped me endure.

Lisa [05:00]:

This is also a writing podcast, so let me explain why this practice matters for writers. Cultivating gratitude trains your brain to find bright spots, even in dark stories. When writing tough material, it’s easy to get stuck in the pain, creating a manuscript that feels like a train wreck of unrelenting difficulty. Readers need moments of levity and rest. Practicing gratitude in life can help you see those moments and incorporate them into your work, improving pacing and emotional resonance.

Lisa [06:30]:

Now, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you who have joined me on this podcast journey. By the end of 2024, we’ll have completed over 50 episodes, and I’m excited to continue into 2025. This podcast wouldn’t exist without you. Thank you for listening, sharing your thoughts, and letting me know what resonates with you.

Here are a few shoutouts:

• Ellen, you told me you never miss an episode—thank you!
• Megan, you shared that when you can’t sleep, you check for new episodes. I’m honored to be part of your day.
• Christine Faour, thank you for your kind words about my interview with Tia Levings. I’m glad it inspired you and connected with your own writing journey.
• Matt Bailey, your note about the mental health and psychological aspects of the podcast meant a lot.

To everyone who’s left comments on YouTube or sent messages: thank you! Your feedback inspires me and shapes the podcast. For example, Christa Hillhouse, your request for an episode on intergenerational trauma is in the works for 2025.

Lisa [10:00]:

If today is a hard day for you, I see you. I’ve been there too. I’m holding space for your peace and ease as you find your next right step. Thank you for being here. Until next week, be well, my friends.