Finding Gratitude in Unexpected Places
There’s something special that happens when women gather.
It’s a feeling, an essence, a visceral knowing. The space comes alive as stories spill out and laughter gets louder. Somehow, even the simplest moments feel extraordinary.
That’s exactly what happened at the recent Gather & Give event.
Surrounded by beautiful goods, warm smiles, and heartfelt conversation, we came together to celebrate community, support women-owned businesses, and embrace the spirit of gratitude – even (and often more importantly) when it’s not easy.
Three Paths to Gratitude
During the event, I shared one of my favorite topics but with a twist. I love practicing gratitude and use a lens that invites us to embrace the messiness and magic of real life.
It’s easy to feel grateful when life is smooth and it also gets to be bigger. Three Paths to Gratitude deepens our experiences and reminds us what matters most.
These three paths - Reverence, Forgiveness, and Everyday Grace - are invitations. This isn’t about bypassing the hard, but to walk with it. You’re invited to lean into a gratitude that doesn’t rely on everything being perfect.
Reverence is about noticing and only requires a pause.
The kind of noticing that takes your breath for a moment. The night sky. An eagle flying overhead. The full moon. The quiet rhythm of your heartbeat or the sound of a baby cooing. Gratitude through awe. It’s always there if we’re willing to pause.
Forgiveness is where deep work lives and asks for curiosity.
I shared a practice I’ve used and taught for years: Judgment → Observation → Gratitude. It’s a slow unfolding. A choice to see what hurt us with softer eyes. It’s not about rushing to thank the hard stuff - but staying open to what it might teach.
Everyday Grace is the small stuff and invites us to be present.
A hot cup of coffee. A tight hug. The way someone says your name when they’re delighted to see you. These moments are easy to miss, but they’re the heartbeat of a grateful life.
Sometimes gratitude doesn’t show up with a bow on top.
Sometimes it arrives as a moment of clarity… or a lesson you didn’t ask for.
And still, it counts. As long as you’re willing to pause, be curious, and consider presence, there is a deeper experience waiting.
Supporting Women, Celebrating Purpose
Gather & Give was more than a showcase. It was a reminder of the power of women supporting women. Every purchase, every conversation, every shared smile contributed to something bigger: a network of women who cheer, champion, and celebrate one another.
It’s proof that gratitude and giving go hand in hand. When we shop local and support women-owned businesses, we’re investing in our dreams, families, and futures.
To every woman who gathered, gave, and grew with us – thank you. You’re the reason this community shines so brightly.
And thank you for choosing gratitude, even when it’s hard.
Author Jen Grant | Speaker, Author, Connector of Inspiring Radiance | Power of She Contributor
We love sparking conversations that inspire growth. If this post resonated with you or if you have questions, we'd love to hear from you!📩 Connect with Jen at: jen@heyjengrant.com
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