Is Their Grass Really Greener? How To Practice Gratitude
Have you ever asked yourself, am I missing out? Am I even doing this right? Am I on the right path?
In a world where we’re bombarded with content, like Instagram reels of your unemployed high school friend swimming in Greece (while you’re stuck swimming through spreadsheets at the office), comparison is too easy to fall into.
The landslides of promotions and degrees you may see peers getting on LinkedIn? Other people have resumes that are a mile long! What about yours?
Ugh. I get it. It’s a trap. One small thought on that “what if” train, and it’s a one-way ticket to self-doubt, disconnection, and even anxiety.
So what can we do about it? Yes, you’re happy for your friends, but what about the gnawing sense of “there’s something missing for me?”
Before we try to "force" gratitude, let’s pause and get honest.
Comparison Is Human, but it’s Exhausting
Seeing someone else’s life and wondering if yours measures up is natural. But comparison often hides context. We rarely see the full picture, especially on social media! Remember tht you’re seeing the wins, not the behind-the-scenes work, grief, or struggle.
So what do we do with that?
Gratitude That’s Grounded, Not Performative
Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s fine or minimizing pain. It’s about finding meaning, even in hard seasons.
Authentic gratitude - not toxic positivity - can look a lot like:
Naming small, real joys that are often overlooked: Your life is likely filled with successes that don’t look like a sports car or exotic vacation. Acknowledge what you’re grateful for and happy to have, like pets who love you, time for a deep breath, a funny text from your grandpa, the beautiful way the light hits your room at 6 AM
Balancing thankfulness coexist with pain: You can be both grieving and grateful! You’ve worked hard AND this is tough! You’re happy to be here AND wish you could do more. One doesn’t undo the other
Saying no to guilt: You don’t have to be grateful all the time to be a good person, and you’re allowed to want more
Gratitude Journaling Ideas
Gratitude journaling can be a powerful tool for noting what you’re thankful for!
Practice freewriting and be reflective once a week, rather than pressuring yourself to complete a page every day
Note 3 things that went your way today
Note 3 things that are still unfolding for you. How do you still want to grow? What step in the right direction can you take this week to help you get closer?
What values guide your life? How was your day (or week) reflective of these values?
Gratitude Is Tough - But You’re Tougher!
Sometimes life feels so overwhelming that gratitude feels out of reach. In those moments, therapy can offer support, perspective, and tools to reconnect with yourself. At Herr-Era, our dedicated therapists for teens, college students, and young adults are ready to help you focus inward and find gratitude!
If you’re struggling with comparison, anxiety, or self-worth, know that you’re not alone! We’re here to help!