Discover how true gratitude emerges from deep self-understanding and seeing others’ perspectives. Learn practical steps to move beyond surface-level thanks to genuine appreciation.
The story
I’ve practiced empathy work for over 30 years, and there’s one truth that keeps hitting home: gratitude isn’t just saying thanks – it’s about truly feeling it deep down. And that feeling starts with understanding yourself and others.
In Chapter 9 of my book “A Practical EmPath: Rewire Your Mind,” I show you how Practical Empathy Practice [PEP] opens up gratitude in surprising ways. It begins with asking yourself what you’re really feeling and why those feelings matter to you. When you recognize your core needs – things like security, love, and respect – you naturally start appreciating when those needs are met.
The real magic happens when you learn to see things from other perspectives. Take a moment to consider the emotions behind someone’s words or actions. When you step into their shoes just to understand [not judge], you notice all the care and effort people put into your life. That’s when gratitude becomes automatic.
PEP also transforms how you express thanks. Instead of quick, hollow “thank yous,” you learn to show appreciation that truly connects: “I see what you did, and it matters.”
Sure, this takes practice. But when you approach life with more openness and understanding, genuine gratitude just flows naturally. If you want to develop lasting gratitude that strengthens all your relationships, Chapter 9 shows you exactly how to do it.
Recent Comments