Feeling grateful? Something good came to you, and you noticed it.
In short
Feeling grateful means noticing that something good came to you: from a person, from life or from luck. Gratitude turns your attention to what is there instead of what is missing. It grows when you share it, which is why telling someone often feels even better than just thinking it.
How it differs
Happiness is about how you feel, gratitude is about noticing where the good came from. Thankful is often for something specific, grateful can be wider.
On the feelings wheel, grateful sits under joyful, next to proud, playful. Finer words for it: thankful, touched.
How it can show up
- You notice small good things during the day
- You think of someone with warmth
- You feel a little more generous
- You want to say thank you
One small step
Send one person a short message saying what you are grateful for and why. Most people never hear it.
The perfect breath: every day. Before sleep, before a hard talk, at your desk.
A better question
Who or what are you grateful for today? Do they know?
Ask it yourself, or someone you care about.
A sentence for your lock screen
“Something good came to me, and I noticed it.”
Questions
How do I practise gratitude every day?
Write down three small good things each evening, or tell one person once a day. Small and regular beats big and rare.
Can you feel grateful and sad at the same time?
Yes. Mixed feelings are normal, for example grateful for the time with someone and sad that it is over.
Words close to grateful
More feelings
OverwhelmedLonelyFrustratedResentfulInsecureWorriedIrritatedHurtLowConfusedContentHopefulProudRelievedPeaceful
Be kind to yourself
Naming a feeling can help, and it is not therapy. If a feeling is heavy for a long time, or you think about hurting yourself, please talk to someone trained to help: find a free helpline near you.