Episode 47: Why Conventional Gratitude Practices May Not Work and How to Make Them More Meaningful

Peggy Oliveira Author

Episode Description:

This episode originally aired on YouTube. The link mentioned is further down in the description.

A gratitude practice is commonly recommended to help with mental and emotional well-being. However, like many things we often hear about as a route to healing, it has the potential to create more difficulty or struggle.

If you resonate with the idea of using gratitude as a healing practice and maybe have struggled at times with implementing it, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I talk about the nuances of gratitude, exploring why the conventional approaches may not work and how an intentional gratitude practice can be a powerful tool in your healing journey.

Remember, it's not just about going through the motions of practicing gratitude; it's about finding a genuine connection to those moments that truly matter (it’s not about the big things).

I'd love to hear your thoughts on gratitude. Have you encountered challenges with traditional gratitude practices, or have you found a unique approach that resonates with you?

Join the Gratitude Challenge HERE

Don’t want to wait for the next episode? Head over to my YouTube Channel, PegygOliveiraMSW, with over 300 videos about Impact & Healing from Childhood Trauma.

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This podcast is for informational purposes and is not mental health advice nor a replacement for professional mental health treatment.

Episode Notes:

- Peggy acknowledges the importance of gratitude for mental health but points out that conventional gratitude practices may sometimes create more harm than help.
- The conventional advice to find gratitude in difficult situations or to focus on the positive outcomes of trauma is criticized. This approach may inadvertently reinforce coping mechanisms and deny the reality of the challenges faced. Peggy highlights the negative cycle where individuals feel guilt and shame for not feeling grateful, further reinforcing their negative beliefs.
- Genuine gratitude involves reflecting on authentic moments that brought a sense of peace or significance, even if they seem small. She emphasizes the significance of practicing gratitude intentionally for healing without dismissing or minimizing the challenges faced.

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Categories: Podcast