Last month, we spent time with the art of letting go – making space by releasing what no longer fits. 

As the holiday season arrives, I’ve been thinking about the natural counterpart to that practice: remembering what we want to keep close. The connections, gestures, and small moments that sustain us. And the more I reflect, the more I’m reminded that gratitude isn’t meant to stay contained inside us. It expands. It moves. It continues.

For those of us working remotely or independently, this matters more than we often realize. Distance can blur connection, heighten self-doubt, or make us forget how supported we actually are. Gratitude is a way of coming home to that truth. It grounds us, softens us, and helps us stay connected to the people and practices that nourish us – both personally and professionally.

Why Gratitude Supports Remote Emotional Health

Research shows that gratitude doesn’t just improve mood – it shifts behavior.

People with higher levels of expressed gratitude are more likely to collaborate, offer support, and feel satisfied in their work. In remote environments – where emotional ups and downs can be amplified – this grounding effect is especially powerful.

Gratitude helps stabilize our internal world. It supports clearer thinking, better emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of connection – all essential ingredients for work satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude This Week 🙏🏼

• Send a specific gratitude message to someone who made a difference – name the exact impact they had.

• Offer one hour of your skill or presence to a friend, colleague, or community member.

• Do one conscious act of kindness each day (a warm note, a supportive message, a moment of patience).

Reflection

Who in your life or remote world has contributed to your wellbeing – and might need acknowledgment this week?

Gratitude becomes transformative when it moves beyond thought and into action. When we allow appreciation to flow outward, it nourishes us, strengthens our relationships, and makes remote work feel more connected and sustainable.