I currently serve as a social service worker. Thanks to this role, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a work mission group, even while still a university student. At first, everything felt unfamiliar and difficult. Each morning, I could only think about wanting to go home, and I found myself admiring the other members who faithfully showed up to work every day. What changed me was something quite simple: a gratitude journal.
The members of our Work Mission write and share gratitude journals every day. Whether it’s something small like being thankful for clear skies or a cup of coffee from the boss or something more serious, they always found something to be grateful for, even in the midst of challenges at work. At first, I just read their entries, thinking, Oh, that’s nice. But one day, I suddenly felt the desire to try it myself. When I actually sat down to write, though, I had no idea what to say. I fidgeted with my phone and ended up watching a video about gratitude. One line stuck with me: “Start by giving thanks for the little things.” Encouraged, I wrote my first gratitude entry—short and awkward as it was.
[Month] [Day]
Today, my co-workers asked me to help with all sorts of things. Thanks to that, I had no time to be bored, the day went by quickly, and I even got to chat with a few of them. I’m grateful for the busy day and the chance to connect.
Finding something to be thankful for in a situation that might have otherwise made me grumble left me feeling proud and content. More than anything, I was happy to discover that I was beginning to work with a sense of ownership.
Since I began writing gratitude journals, I’ve laughed more at work. The office no longer feels like a difficult place; it has become a space where I learn and find reasons to be thankful. I’d always heard about the benefits of gratitude, but until I practiced it myself, I never truly understood its power. Now, I try to carry out what I’ve learned. I want to be grateful in every situation, no matter how small. I hope this spirit of thankfulness spreads to those around me as well.