Let’s be real: sometimes, being told to “just be grateful” when things are hard feels… gross. We get it. Gratitude can be helpful, but not when it’s used to slap a smiley face sticker over real pain.

In this episode, Allie and Ellen talk about what taking a descriptive approach to gratitude looks like. It’s the kind that helps you carry the hard stuff, not erase it. Allie shares what she’s learned while recovering from a serious fall (and yes, her therapist will be proud of this one), and Ellen dives into why “good vibes only” doesn’t help us or our clients.

Whether you’re a pet parent knee-deep in the messy middle or a pro helping others through it, this episode is your reminder that you can say “this sucks”… and still find the tiny glimmers along the way.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Gratitude isn’t pretending it’s all fine – You can acknowledge hardship and find small things to appreciate; both can be true.

2️⃣ Little glimmers matter – Whether it’s a client breakthrough, a funny pet moment, or a small win, collecting and revisiting these moments helps you stay grounded when things get tough.

3️⃣ Build your support system – Surround yourself with people who help you see the light when you’re ready and know when to just sit with you in the dark.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

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