Gratitude and Self-Compassion: How “Watering Your Own Grass” Changes Everything

We live in a world that moves fast. Our minds are wired to notice problems and what’s missing rather than what’s going well. That constant scanning for stress can leave us exhausted and disconnected.

Two simple but powerful practices can help you shift out of that state: gratitude and self-compassion. Used together, they’re like watering your own grass — creating a space inside you where calm, resilience and joy can grow.

Why Gratitude Works

Gratitude isn’t just a “feel-good” trend. Regularly acknowledging what you’re thankful for:

• Boosts serotonin and dopamine (feel-good brain chemicals)

• Lowers stress and supports better sleep

• Increases optimism and emotional resilience

It works best when it’s small and specific. Each morning or evening, write down three things you’re grateful for: the smell of coffee, a kind word, a quiet moment. Over time you’ll start noticing the good without even trying.

“Watering Your Own Grass”: Practising Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is often misunderstood as being “soft” or “selfish.” In reality, it’s about treating yourself with the same care you’d extend to a friend. When you tend to yourself regularly — like watering a garden — you prevent burnout and create the conditions for everything else to flourish.

Here are a few simple ways to water your own grass:

• Take a short breathing break between tasks

• Speak kindly to yourself when you notice self-criticism

• Step outside for a moment of sunshine

• Pause before saying “yes” to another obligation

Try choosing three small acts of self-compassion a day. They don’t have to be dramatic — what matters is consistency.

The Magic of Combining Gratitude and Self-Compassion

Gratitude softens the heart and shifts your attention to what’s already good. Self-compassion gives you the permission and safety to receive it. Together, they:

• Reduce stress and calm the nervous system

• Build emotional resilience

• Help you respond to life rather than react

This week, experiment with this combined practice:

1. Each evening, jot down three things you’re grateful for.

2. Note three acts of self-compassion you offered yourself (or plan to tomorrow).

Notice how you feel after a few days. Most people report feeling lighter, steadier and more grounded.

Final Thoughts

Your life doesn’t need to be perfect to be deeply appreciated. By watering your own grass — tending to yourself with gratitude and self-compassion — you’re cultivating steadiness, energy and joy right where you are.

If you’d love a simple way to bring these practices into your daily life, my Back to You Gratitude Journal can help. It combines gentle self-compassion prompts with daily gratitude reflections so you can “water your own grass” and watch your wellbeing grow. Click here to see more.