Not Being Able To Be Grateful

Ever find yourself chasing future goals so much you forget to be grateful? If you have dyslexia or ADHD, you might know that frantic feeling of jumping from one thought to the next. In this episode, I share how I turned a random moment into something meaningful.

We explore why gratitude can feel so far away when you're pulled in ten different directions. There's a lot about acceptance, mindset, and patience. You'll learn how small shifts in thinking can unlock new perspectives. By the end, you'll hopefully see gratitude in a different light and feel encouraged to give it a try, even when your brain wants to race off.

Why Dyslexia Can Make Gratitude Feel Tricky

For many with dyslexia, it's not about ignoring all that's going right. Our brains just work differently. We often leap to thoughts of the future or follow one random idea after another. Stopping to say thank you might sound easy, but it feels challenging when our minds want to keep moving.

In the podcast, I chat about how we judge ourselves more than we realise. We can get swept up in negative self-talk, or we constantly compare ourselves to others. That comparison trap can mask even the smallest reasons to feel grateful.

"Gratitude can be hard at the best of times for me at least. My mind is always off in the future or running around in some tangent or rabbit hole."

This quote from the episode sums up that restless feeling. Many of us know a never-ending mental to-do list, so we forget to pay attention to what’s already here.

A Moment That Changed My Perspective

Picture it: I'm standing by the kitchen window, sipping a cup of tea. I notice how the light hits the kitchen bench, and I realise I'm content. It was an odd thought that popped into my racing mind and made me pause. Instead of pushing the feeling aside, I let myself enjoy it.

That simple moment sparked a discussion in my mind. Why do we wait for something big to happen before we allow gratitude in? I took a few extra seconds to appreciate how warm my tea felt and how wonderful it was to have a quiet moment. I’m not saying everything in life was perfect, but focusing on one small pleasure opened a door to everything else.

From there, I decided I'd notice one tiny thing each day. A good sandwich, a funny message from a friend, or the sound of rain. These little sparks of thanks add up and shift your mood subtly over time.

Strategies to Practise Gratitude

It's not always about huge life achievements. Sometimes, the smaller the better. Here are a few ways you can start:

• Set a Reminder on Your Phone: Let an alarm prompt you to pause and find one small thing you're thankful for.
• Create a Quick Journal Entry: Scribble down a thought or two about something good that happened or a fun idea you had.
• Share Gratitude with Others: A simple “Thank you for listening” can spark awareness that you’re not alone.
• Forgive Slip-ups: It's normal to forget. If you miss a day, just pick it up the next time you remember.

Practising gratitude doesn’t need to feel like a chore. If it helps, think of it as short check-ins with yourself. Even one or two a week can be enough to see a difference in your mindset.

Keeping It Real: Balancing Gratitude with Your Busy Mind

Sometimes you’ll feel like you don’t have time for any of this. You might be thinking, “I can barely remember what day it is, let alone find space for gratitude.” That’s normal. But guess what — you can tuck moments of appreciation into all sorts of odd places.

Maybe it's while waiting for the kettle to boil. Instead of grabbing your phone, notice the kitchen around you. Or do it in the car before you turn on the radio. You don't have to overhaul your entire schedule. It’s more about using the cracks in your day and seizing small opportunities.

If you hit a wall and decide you just can't do it today, that's okay too. Be kind to yourself. Gratitude is not a strict rule you have to follow; it's a tool you can use whenever you want to make life feel lighter.

When Gratitude Feels Impossible

No matter how much we try, some days are simply tough. Life happens: you might get bad news, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you're in that space, don't force it. Let yourself feel whatever you need to feel.

Once the bigger emotions pass, try returning to simple appreciation. It doesn’t fix everything, but it can loosen the tension in your mind. Over time, you’ll notice that you bounce back faster, and you’ll be glad you have a method to tap into when you’re ready.

• Acknowledge the Struggle: Let it be what it is for a moment.
• Take One Step: Spot a small, positive detail. Maybe the sun peeking through the curtains, or a pet’s goofy behaviour.
• Feel It, However Brief: Even if it's just a second, notice how that bit of gratitude makes you feel.

Key Takeaways

• Gratitude can be extra challenging for busy, imaginative minds.
• Small pauses can rekindle appreciation when life feels frantic.
• Try tiny, daily check-ins to keep your inner critic at bay.
• It's okay to struggle on bad days; gratitude can wait for its moment.

If you'd like to hear the full story and more personal tips, check out the podcast episode above. There's more detail about how to integrate these ideas into everyday life. Go on, press play and discover that gratitude doesn't have to be a massive production.