Gratitude in the Season of Thanks: Science, Story and Leadership
As Thanksgiving week rolls in, I’ve been reflecting on the gifts that surround me every single day. Gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition, it’s a practice that changes how we live, lead, and connect. And here’s the kicker: research by Robert Emmons, one of the world’s leading experts on gratitude, shows that consciously focusing on blessings can increase happiness by up to 25%, improve sleep, and strengthen relationships.
I mean, who wouldn’t want 25% better sleep? Sign me up!
Neuroscience backs it up too - gratitude flips on the brain’s reward and bonding centers, releasing dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These “happiness chemicals” don’t just make us feel good, they help us show up with clarity, resilience, and joy.
My Own Sources of Gratitude
This season, here’s what I’m especially thankful for:
The beauty of the mountains and forests around my home—daily reminders of resilience and renewal.
The bounty of our garden, which sustains us through Vermont’s long winters and teaches patience in cycles of growth.
The community of musicians I get to play with, gathering to practice and perform, sharing joy with families and the broader community.
The love of family and friends, whose presence brings joy, meaning, and connection to my life.
These aren’t just nice sentiments. They mirror the science. Gratitude is relational, embodied, and sustaining. It anchors us in abundance rather than scarcity, and it strengthens the bonds that carry us through challenges.
The Science of Gratitude
Emmons’ studies show that gratitude practices, like journaling or writing letters, reshape our mindset and even our biology:
People who kept gratitude journals reported fewer physical symptoms, greater optimism, and more regular exercise.
Patients with neuromuscular disease who practiced gratitude for 21 days slept better, felt more positive, and felt more connected.
Gratitude practices lower cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 23%, improving resilience and health.
Translation: Gratitude literally rewires the brain’s stress response. It helps us bounce back faster from setbacks and approach challenges with optimism.
Gratitude as a Leadership Practice
For leaders, gratitude isn’t just about personal wellness—it’s a cultural competency. Just as my music community thrives on shared appreciation, teams thrive when leaders express thanks. Gratitude builds trust, motivation, and psychological safety. It shifts perspective from scarcity to abundance, helping leaders see challenges as opportunities for growth.
A few simple ways to bring gratitude into leadership:
Kick off meetings with a quick moment of thanks.
Recognize team contributions regularly (small wins count!).
Reframe setbacks by asking: “What’s the gift in this challenge?”
A Thanksgiving Invitation
This holiday week, I invite you to reflect on your own sources of gratitude, whether in nature, community, or relationships. Write them down, share them with others, and notice how your perspective shifts. Gratitude isn’t just seasonal - it’s a discipline that rewires our brains and strengthens our capacity to lead with authenticity and joy.
As Emmons reminds us, “A conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.” This Thanksgiving let’s embrace gratitude not only as tradition, but as transformation.
If you’d like to explore more, I recommend Robert Emmons’ book Thanks! along with his practical guide Gratitude Works!
Closing Thanks
Finally, I want to pause to thank you, my readers, clients, colleagues, and community, for being part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and presence bring meaning to my work and joy to my life. Just as gratitude strengthens our brains and our bonds, your engagement strengthens my commitment to coaching, writing, and leading with authenticity.
I’m grateful for each of you. May your days be filled with beauty, connection, and the quiet joy of noticing the blessings that surround you.
