What We’re Reading in November: Exploring Gratitude to Transform Your Perspective

In contemporary psychological research, gratitude has emerged as a critical factor in promoting emotional resilience, relational health, and overall well-being. Recognizing and intentionally practicing gratitude allows individuals to reframe experiences, strengthen interpersonal connections, and support adaptive coping in the face of stress and life transitions. The following texts provide empirically grounded and theoretically informed insights into the mechanisms and benefits of gratitude.

1. Kaplan, J. (2015). The Gratitude Diaries: How a Year Looking on the Bright Side Can Transform Your Life. New York, NY: Crown Publishing.

Kaplan presents a narrative-based, year-long exploration of intentional gratitude practice. Integrating qualitative reflections with existing research in positive psychology, this work demonstrates how deliberate attention to appreciation can enhance subjective well-being, relational satisfaction, and life purpose. Kaplan’s findings underscore the utility of daily reflective practices in promoting sustained psychological benefits.

   2. Smith, J. A. (2019). The Gratitude Project: How the Science of Thankfulness Can Change Your Life. New York, NY: Avery.

Smith explores gratitude as both a social and psychological phenomenon, emphasizing its role in fostering empathy, relational reciprocity, and community engagement. Drawing on social psychology, behavioral science, and qualitative interviews, the text highlights the dynamic interplay between individual practice and social context, providing actionable strategies for cultivating gratitude in daily life and professional settings.

Together, these books provide a powerful, integrated approach to well-being: mastering the stories we tell ourselves and honoring the intelligence of the vessel that carries us. They remind us that healing is a whole-self endeavor.

If the themes in these books resonate with you, our therapists at Wellspring are here to help you apply these insights to your own unique journey.