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Olivia Alberton (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I think it is safe to say that we have all been told or have heard that we “should be grateful” for what we have. Things such as waking up, getting out of bed, our good health and having a roof over our heads are just a few common examples referenced. All of which are important. However, sometimes it feels easy to forget the things we take for granted, and rather dwell on all the negative aspects of our lives. This is something that frequently happens to me. Despite my best efforts, sustaining gratitude is easier said than done. How does one sustain gratitude and why does it seem so difficult some days?  

One reason for this difficulty connects to social media. Through apps such as Instagram, Facebook and even LinkedIn, we are constantly viewing what “success” our peers are achieving. Posts on LinkedIn showing how Sarah got a new job, engagement photos of Ben on Facebook and travel photos that Jen posted on Instagram are things you see when you scroll. It is natural for you to start comparing your life to theirs. We know that social media is just a highlight reel and people only post what they want you to see. Despite this, it is hard not to compare your life to theirs. Negative thoughts can creep in and make a home for themselves in your mind—“They’re doing better than me,” “I wish I could travel where she went,” “I’m nowhere near being engaged,” “She’s prettier than me,” “I’m so behind”—and once they are settled, little room is left for the good, sadly.

When you are in this mindset, it can be difficult to get out and remember all the things you should be grateful for. You do start to take things for granted and have a woe-is-me attitude, because social media is a tool that can be dangerous for your mental health. To combat this, I believe taking breaks from scrolling can greatly improve your mind. I partake in a social media cleanse from time to time, and it does make a difference. When I eliminate that scrolling, I cannot compare myself to others and I focus solely on my path. The less distraction and comparison, the more I focus on myself and think about what I have to be grateful for. 

In tandem with social media comes constant messages of buying more. Specifically, on TikTok there are videos of the newest items, hauls from clothing stores and, most recently, the “It Girl Christmas Wishlist” offering ideas of what to purchase. Seeing this type of content persuades some into believing that we “need” these things, because if we pass on them, we are missing out. We start to focus more on what we do not have, rather than on what we do have. We live in a very consumeristic and materialistic society, which makes it easier to lose sight of how unimportant keeping up with trends is.

In my experience, buying that newest thing only supplies a limited period of gratification. I believe it is important to move past buying the latest things and focus on everything you already have. Maybe it is also important to think about why buying that purse or coat makes you feel good; dig deep to see if buying is trying to fill a void. When you begin to focus on what you already have, you focus on the good in your life, making it easier to sustain gratitude. 

Some studies state that when you practice gratitude, it reduces stress, depression and anxiety, which is amazing. As mentioned, limiting distractions from social media and ignoring messages from consumer culture can eliminate all that noise in your life and bring it back down to the important things. Another good way to sustain gratitude is to write down three things you are grateful for each morning. The Five-Minute Journal has this exercise; however, one could simply use a notebook. Starting your day off thinking about gratitude puts you in a positive mindset, which is a great way to start your day. Also, if things are feeling heavy on a day, take a moment, breathe and think about all the good.

With this being said, it is equally important to realize that sustaining gratitude can be difficult because life is difficult. Some days it will be easier than others, and that is okay. Give yourself grace while trying to sustain gratitude.  

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Olivia is a McMaster University graduate with a combined honours in English & cultural studies and history. She loves to read, write and, of course, drink coffee.