Every year on September 21, we are invited to pause and reflect. It is both World Gratitude Day and the International Day of Peace. I’m publishing my blog a day early this week so that it falls on the 21st. At first glance gratitude and peace may seem like two separate observances, but I think it’s appropriate they fall on the same date. Feelings of gratitude often bring us peace.
Gratitude as a Companion Through Grief
When I think back on the losses in my life, my husband, John, and my mom, I feel both deep sadness and deep gratitude. Gratitude for the time we had, for the memories made, and for the love that shaped me. Even though I wish our time had been longer, it is true what they say: it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Gratitude doesn’t erase grief, but it softens the edges. It helps us notice what remains instead of only what is gone. It’s a way of saying, “Thank you for this love, this life, this moment.”
Peace as a Legacy
Peace is something we hope for in the world, but also in our own lives. Inner peace comes when we are at ease with the past, present, and future. For me, rituals have been part of finding that peace. Scattering John’s ashes in the places he loved, toasting my mom with my sister on her birthday, and hiking in nature to mark John’s birthday have all been healing rituals for me. These practices don’t take away the loss, but they bring a sense of order, comfort, and yes, peace.
Planning ahead also brings peace. It’s why I’m so passionate about end-of-life preparation. John made his wishes known and it lifted a huge burden from me. In my time of grief and confusion, I wasn’t wondering if I was doing the right things to honor him. When we make our wishes known and take care of the details, we lift a burden from the people we love. That is a gift of peace we can leave behind.
The Connection Between Gratitude and Peace
Research shows that gratitude practices improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and even strengthen relationships. When we regularly notice and name the things we’re thankful for, we invite calm into our hearts. And when we cultivate peace, through reflection, planning, or rituals, we naturally grow more grateful for the time and people we have.
Gratitude feeds peace, and peace sustains gratitude. Together, they help us live more fully and leave a more loving legacy.
An Invitation
On this September 21st, I invite you to take a moment for both gratitude and peace. Write a thank-you note. Share a memory. Light a candle. Take a walk in nature. Notice what feels good, and let that bring you calm.
And most importantly—reach out to someone today and let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life. A simple call, message, or gesture of thanks can bring peace not only to you, but also to the person who receives it.
