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Grace Song (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Gratitude is a cornerstone of a meaningful life—a powerful force that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It enriches our lives and strengthens our relationships. For me, gratitude also deepens my connection with God. As someone who believes in the importance of faith, I have found that practicing gratitude not only enhances my spiritual journey, but also allows me to appreciate the beauty of life in profound ways. Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion, but a practice woven into the fabric of my daily life.

The simplest way that I find to show gratitude is through words. As a Christian, I refer to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I try to start and end each day by giving thanks to God for everything that He has done. This also helps set a positive and thankful mood for the rest of my day—whether I am thanking someone for holding the door, a bus driver for their service or a loved one for their generosity, I make it a point to express my appreciation verbally. For some, a heartfelt “thank you” may seem minute, but it has the power to brighten one’s day by acknowledging their efforts, however small. Plus, I believe that the more you are thankful, the more thankful things will be provided to you. Ultimately, good karma is just as real as bad karma, and I want as much good karma as I can get.

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion, it is also something we can do. One of the most meaningful ways that I express my thankfulness is by giving back to others. In the Bible, Jesus exemplified the spirit of service throughout His life, and His teachings inspire me from Matthew 20:28: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving others is my way of acknowledging the blessings that I have received and sharing them with those in need. Whether it is volunteering for a non-profit organization and serving dinner to vulnerable youth each Thursday, helping a neighbour out with groceries, supporting a friend struggling through their studies, or donating to causes that I care about, acts of service allow me to channel my gratitude into action. I find it a tangible way of saying, “Thank you, God, for giving me enough to share with others,” and extending the gratitude I feel into the world, creating a ripple effect of positivity and kindness towards others.

Journaling is one of the most transformative practices in my expression of gratitude. Each night, I set aside 10-15 minutes to reflect on my day and write down three things that I am grateful for. These can range from small joys (having a friend buy me a morning coffee) to monumental achievements (passing my licensing exams). When I write, I am often reminded of Psalms 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” This practice helps me shift my perspective, even on the most difficult and dreadful of days. By focusing on what went well, I am reminded that, even amid challenges, there are many things to be thankful for. Journaling has been a key component of my residency journey as I battle through imposter syndrome while feeling extremely privileged to provide care to my vulnerable patients. Over time, my gratitude journal has become a treasure trove of positivity, a record of blessings that I can revisit whenever I need a reminder. 

Gratitude is a practice that enriches every aspect of life. Whether it is through words, actions, reflection or giving back, showing gratitude helps me cultivate abundant joy. It deepens my connections with others and reminds me of the beauty in even the simplest moments. I will continue to strive to nurture a spirit of thankfulness that honours God and blesses those around me. As I continue my own journey, I hope to inspire others to find their own ways of showing gratitude and experiencing the profound joy that it brings. 

And to you reader, thank you for taking time out of your day to read my post. I challenge you to reflect on the ways and how often that you show gratitude. Being grateful has really changed my perspective on life for the better, especially while working/learning in healthcare, and I am sure that it will for you too! 

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