“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” – Cicero
📌 Estimated Reading Time: 6-8 minutes
Glad you’re here.
Gratitude is often thought of as a simple “thank you,” but I’ve learned it’s much deeper than that. It’s a way of seeing the world—of noticing the quiet blessings that surround us every day, even in difficult moments. Gratitude is what shapes our perspective, allowing us to see abundance where others might see lack. And for me, gratitude has always been anchored in the love and wisdom of my grandma, Alberta.
🧭 My Journey to Gratitude
Growing up, my grandma, Alberta, was my world. She didn’t just love me—she prepared me for life. From an early age, she taught me the fundamentals of adulthood—how to cook, clean, iron clothes, shop for food, pay bills, and, most importantly, how to help others. At the time, these lessons felt like chores, but now, I see them as gifts.
When I look back, I realize how incredibly grateful I am for her wisdom and patience. She made sure I was equipped with the skills to stand on my own two feet. Her kindness was not in grand gestures but in the daily lessons that set me up for success.
She also showed me that gratitude isn’t just about acknowledging the good times. It’s about finding appreciation even in the hardships. When I struggled, she reminded me to focus on what I still had rather than what I had lost. Her voice remains in my mind: “Count your blessings, baby. No matter how small.”
Grandma passed away in August 2022, but her lessons endure. When I think of her, I don’t dwell on the loss. Instead, I focus on the love she poured into me and the ways I can honor her by living with gratitude every day.
Alberta and Eric share a poignant moment during a visit.
🧭 When Gratitude Gets Personal
Gratitude isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we practice. And sometimes, life forces us to choose between bitterness and appreciation.
I remember moments when I felt overwhelmed, when life wasn’t unfolding the way I had planned. But in those moments, I came back to the foundation my grandmother gave me—the ability to step back, take a deep breath, and look at what I did have instead of what I had lost.
That’s the thing about gratitude. It doesn’t erase challenges, but it transforms how we experience them. It teaches us that even in the hardest times, there is something to hold onto.
🧭 The Science Behind Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t just an idea—it’s backed by science. Studies show that practicing gratitude leads to:
✔ Lower levels of stress and anxiety
✔ Improved sleep quality
✔ Stronger relationships and social connections
✔ Increased overall happiness and life satisfaction
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that gratitude interventions lead to measurable improvements in mental health, including reduced symptoms of depression and greater emotional resilience.
One of the most effective gratitude exercises is The Three Good Things Method, developed by psychologist Martin Seligman. Here’s how it works:
- Each night before bed, write down three good things that happened that day. They don’t have to be big—maybe you had a great cup of coffee, reconnected with an old friend, or enjoyed a quiet moment in the sun.
- Reflect on why each of these things happened. Was it because of someone’s kindness? Your own effort? A moment of luck?
- Practice this for one week and notice how it shifts your perspective.
This simple habit trains your brain to seek out the positives in your day, leading to a greater sense of contentment and appreciation over time.
🧭 A Little Exercise We Can Do Together
Take a deep breath. Grab a notebook or open a blank document, and take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:
🔹 Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
🔹 What small moments bring you unexpected joy?
🔹 If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you still be grateful for?
There are no wrong answers—only honest ones. Gratitude starts with awareness. The more we notice, the more we have to be thankful for.
🧭 Looking Ahead: The Eight Compass Points
Gratitude is just the second of the Eight Compass Points I’ve found essential for navigating life with clarity and intention. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the rest—each one representing a key pillar of a well-lived life:
- Growth – Becoming better than you were yesterday.
- Presence – Living fully in the moment, free from distractions.
- Connection – Building meaningful relationships that enrich your life.
- Vitality – Strengthening your mind, body, and spirit.
- Resilience – Learning to thrive through life’s challenges.
- Wonder – Staying curious and open to new experiences.
Each compass point carries its own lessons, challenges, and real-world applications. Next up, we’ll explore Growth—the commitment to continuous improvement and becoming a better version of yourself.
🧭 A Bridge of Reflection
Before we continue, I want to share something personal.
Gratitude is a deeply personal practice, and for me, it has been a lifeline. In the past, I’ve faced loss, setbacks, and moments when the road ahead seemed unclear. But gratitude has always helped me find my bearings again.
If you’re going through a difficult season, I want you to know this: You are not alone. And even in the hardest times, gratitude can be a light in the dark.
What moments have helped shape your gratitude? I’d love to hear your story.
🧭 Join Our Compass Community
I believe we navigate life better together. When you join our community, you’ll receive:
✔ Weekly Compass Points: Brief reflections to help you stay oriented.
✔ Early Access: Be the first to receive new tools and resources.
✔ Connection: Join conversations with others on similar journeys.
📩 Join the Compass Community Here
Your story matters, and I’d love to hear it. Drop me a note anytime at eric@livingbythecompass.com.
🧭 A Bit About Me
I’m Eric “Jazz” Rinehart—a veteran, tech entrepreneur, business strategist, and educator with a background spanning technology, healthcare, consulting, and business development. After leaving the U.S. Air Force, I co-founded a Silicon Valley startup and later stepped into senior leadership roles in healthcare support operations.
Beyond my professional journey, my insights are shaped by deeply personal experiences—navigating the loss of a child, evolving from traditional religiosity to a spiritually grounded perspective, and continuously reinventing myself through life’s challenges.
Through Living By The Compass, I share what I’ve learned about navigating life with clarity, purpose, and resilience—not because I have all the answers, but because I believe we all have wisdom worth sharing.