November is the month of the year when our thoughts and hearts turn easily to Gratitude. Words from the 13th/14th century Dominican priest, mystic, and writer, Meister Eckhart, remind us: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” It is understandable, however, that November 2025, with its world and national realities, may be a challenge to the prayer of gratitude we wish to fall easily from our lips.

In a reflection in the column “Everyday Ignatian”, Jennifer Sawyer reflects:

“Like many, I’ve felt particularly weighed down by the world’s woundedness lately. The gulp of anxiety that comes with every news ping or social media notification has shown me how easy it is to get caught up in what’s hard or depressing or demanding my attention — and forget to appreciate what’s going well, what’s beautiful or what gives me hope.

Recently, I sat down to make a list of things I’ve been grateful for over the past few months. The list was long and amusingly wide-ranging (some excerpts: my infant son’s growth and development, Oreos, the crossing guard in front of the library who waves at every car, Taylor Swift, aid workers risking their lives to feed the hungry, my toddler’s ABCs obsession, the sunset view from our deck), and I felt my mood shift almost immediately.

As we move through the fall when themes of giving thanks are at the forefront, I find myself asking, what does gratitude look like when life is hard, or when the weight of the world seems especially heavy? How can gratitude help me and so many others emerge from a place of negativity, anxiety or grief?”

HeartSpeak invites your comments on the questions Jennifer Sawyer poses:

• Make a list of what you’re grateful for this November.
• What does gratitude look like when life is hard, or when the weight of the world seems especially heavy?
• How can gratitude help me and so many others emerge from a place of negativity, anxiety or grief?