Gratitude Series: Part 2- Why Gratitude can Feel Hard & How to Overcome

In this second part of our Gratitude Series, we dive into the real reasons why practicing gratitude can feel so hard and share actionable ways to overcome those challenges. When Mer first mentioned we'd be doing a podcast on gratitude, I thought I had it all figured out—turns out, there’s a lot more to it than just feeling good! We explore how our brains are wired for negativity, how society and social media reinforce the cycle of comparison, and the myths that hold us back from embracing gratitude in a deeper way.

Join us as we break down why practicing gratitude takes effort and share tips to help rewire our brains, avoid the comparison trap, and cultivate a grateful mindset that can actually change our lives.

00:14 - 01:10 – Why Gratitude Can Be Hard
We reflect on how most of us have practiced gratitude before, but dive into the reality that gratitude is more than just a feel-good idea—there’s so much more beneath the surface.

01:10 - 02:32 – Negativity Bias
Our brains naturally hold onto negative experiences, which helped our ancestors survive, but today, it makes gratitude feel like an uphill battle.

02:32 - 04:03 – Societal and Cultural Influences
We talk about how modern-day influences—like advertisements and societal pressures—make us feel like we're not enough, feeding into a habit of wanting and comparison.

04:03 - 10:00 – Social Media and Comparison Trap
Social media amplifies our comparisons with others, but we explore how to take control of our feeds by curating content that uplifts and empowers us. We also discuss how to protect our children from the same traps.

10:00 - 12:28 – Downward Comparison
We introduce the idea of "downward comparison"—looking at how far we’ve come compared to our ancestors and appreciating the modern comforts we have, like electricity, medicine, and more.

12:28 - 15:06 – Gratitude and Childlike Wonder
Gratitude sharpens our senses and helps us regain a childlike wonder for the world around us. We discuss how gratitude opens our eyes to the magic in everyday life.

15:06 - 18:02 – Rewiring Our Brains for Gratitude
We explain how neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains by consistently practicing gratitude, making it easier to bounce back from hardships.

18:02 - 19:50 – Interdependence Thought Exercise
We guide you through an exercise that highlights how interconnected we all are and how much of our daily comfort is owed to the work of others.

19:50 - 22:28 – Myths About Gratitude
We debunk common myths, such as the idea that gratitude makes us complacent or that it’s just naive positive thinking. Studies actually show that gratitude helps us reach our goals and build resilience.

22:28 - 24:31 – Using Gratitude to Build Resilience
Cassie shares how shifting her mindset toward gratitude has helped her deal with the daily grind, and we discuss how gratitude can turn even mundane tasks into moments of joy.

24:31 - 26:31 – Gratitude Challenge
We leave you with a challenge: take a moment to appreciate the things and people in your life that you might be taking for granted. Plus, we offer practical tips on how to cultivate gratitude every day.