Gratefulness vs Gratitude – 2 Layers of Happiness

Hey there! I’m excited to be back with an intriguing topic today. Recently, a friend asked me a thought-provoking question: “What is the difference between gratefulness vs gratitude?“

At first, I was like, “Whoa, hold up!” But then, after thinking about it some more, I was like “Duh! It’s actually pretty simple and hella interesting!” This question got me thinking about how we can truly embrace the mindset of gratitude in the right way in life. 

So today, I wanna spill my thoughts on this and hear what you have to say too. Let’s get into it, my peeps!

Gratefulness vs Gratitude

The Definition

The definition of gratefulness is: gratefulness a feeling of being thankful or appreciative for something, acknowledging the benefits or kindness RECEIVED.

Gratefulness often arises as a spontaneous response to a specific event or situation.  ( or we might say it’s a conditional reaction ).

So, when good things happen to us in life, that’s when gratefulness kicks in.But here’s the catch: it depends on external factors. Gratefulness depends on whether things are going our way and occurs only if we’re surrounded by favorable circumstances or events.

How about gratitude?

On the other hand, gratitude goes beyond a mere feeling and encompasses an active practice or mindset.

It’s all about intentionally growing and showing appreciation for the good stuff in life, no matter how big or small. It’s like embracing and expressing thanks for the little things that bring joy and the awesome moments that make us feel alive.

Different from gratefulness, gratitude is a way of being, a lens through which we view and engage with the world.

Why gratefulness and gratitude make a perfect duo:

After spending some thoughts on gratefulness vs gratitude, in my humble opinion, gratefulness and gratitude, when combined, form a perfect duo that clearly has the potential to transform our lives and outlook.

Allow me to explain why.

To me, gratefulness acts as the foundation, setting the stage for a shift in our mindset towards a lifestyle full with gratitude.

I think gratefulness is a first step towards gratitude.

Gratefulness is about recognizing and appreciating the good stuff that comes our way, whether they are significant achievements, acts of kindness, or even the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Gratefulness opens our eyes to the blessings we often overlook or take for granted. It serves as a reminder that amidst the challenges and complexities of life, there is always something to be thankful for.

By embracing gratefulness, we begin to cultivate a sense of appreciation and positivity, paving the way for the transformative power of gratitude. It’s hard to cultivate gratitude if we don’t even have gratefulness for the good things happen in our life.

Gratitude, in essence, is the active expression and practice of appreciation. It goes beyond a fleeting feeling and becomes a deliberate and intentional mindset.

Gratitude compels us to not only recognize the good in our lives but also to celebrate it and share our appreciation with others. It prompts us to find joy in both the extraordinary and the mundane aspects of our existence. When we practice gratitude, we direct our focus towards the positive, fostering a sense of abundance and fulfillment.

Gratefulness sets the stage for gratitude to flourish, as we actively seek out moments of appreciation and intentionally express our thanks.

When we cultivate gratefulness and gratitude (gratefulness vs gratitude), we begin to shift our focus from what is lacking to what is abundant. We become more attuned to the present moment, savoring the richness and beauty that exists all around us.

With gratefulness and gratitude on our side, we can find meaning and fulfillment even when life throws us curveballs. We start seeing challenges and setbacks as chances to grow and learn. It’s like turning lemons into lemonade! 

We become super resilient and optimistic, ready to take on anything that comes our way. It’s all about finding the silver lining and embracing the power of positivity.

Life becomes one big adventure, and we’re up for it!

What I love is  the practice of gratefulness and gratitude has a ripple effect, positively impacting our relationships and interactions with others. When we take the time to express gratitude to those who’ve made a difference in our lives, we’re not just saying thanks. We’re recognizing their awesomeness and showing them that they matter.

It’s like adding extra strength to our connections and making them even more solid. 

But here’s the really cool part: When we do that, it often inspires that person to spread their own gratefulness to others. It’s like a gratitude chain reaction that keeps going and going. It’s like a never-ending cycle of appreciation that brings people closer together and makes the world a better place.

Gratitude fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and reciprocity, creating a cycle of positivity that spreads beyond ourselves. It has the power to uplift and inspire not only the recipients of our gratitude but also those who witness or hear about our expressions of appreciation.

This is my all time favourite talk about gratefulness of David Steindl-Rast that may help you understand more about the concept of gratefulness vs gratitude:

Gratitude practices for beginners

Expressing your gratefulness to smallest things

Gratitude practices for beginners is to be grateful more, or expressing your gratefulness more frequently. Expressing gratefulness and saying “thank you” is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to practice gratitude.

Whether it’s a simple verbal “thank you” a heartfelt note, or a kind gesture in return, expressing gratefulness helps to nurture positive relationships, create a culture of appreciation, and promote goodwill.

It’s a small act that can have a significant ripple effect, spreading positivity and gratitude throughout our lives and the lives of those around us.

Daily gratitude reflection

Before going to bed, take a moment to reflect on the day and identify three things that went well or brought you joy. Focus on the positive moments and express gratitude for them.

By simply counting your blessings, you can train your mind to embrace an appreciation mindset.

Gratitude walk

Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can be a powerful way to practice gratitude and enhance your overall well-being.

When you take a walk or simply spend time in nature, you have an opportunity to slow down, be present in the moment, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Pay attention to the details of your surroundings—the vibrant colors of flowers, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the chirping of birds, or the glistening of sunlight on water.

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature, whether it’s the majesty of a mountain range, the tranquility of a flowing river, or the intricacy of a delicate flower.

Inhale the fresh air and the scents of the surroundings. Feel the textures of the ground beneath your feet or the breeze on your skin. Listen to the sounds of nature—the birdsong, the rustling of leaves, or the gentle flow of water.

For more gratitude practices, feel free to explore my other posts available here.

Bottom line

I hope I’ve sparked some thoughts for you to ponder. The more I delve into the concepts of gratefulness vs gratitude, the more I uncover insights on how to live life to the fullest. I’d love to hear your perspective and thoughts on this, so feel free to share them in the comments section.

Let’s engage in a conversation and explore the richness of gratefulness and gratitude together!