With over 25 years in Behavioral Health, Training and Organizational Development, Dr. Veronica Powell, the 'Communication Doctor,' turned a personal trauma into a mission to revolutionize virtual communication.
Although National Gratitude Month is recognized in November, we are honoring the impact of gratitude that extends far beyond a single month. As our world becomes increasingly divided, the practice of gratitude has become more essential than ever. We live in a time where differences in views, human rights, fairness, equality, class, gender, race, and national identity are heightened, creating barriers that often feel insurmountable. These divisions are further deepened by systemic inequities, corruption, greed, and the relentless pursuit of dominance, power and control.
Hate, often learned or fueled by fear and misinformation, perpetuates this cycle of division, while a lack of humanity further dehumanizes us, diminishing empathy and compassion. Yet, amid these challenges, gratitude offers a powerful antidote—a way to transcend differences, foster unity, and humanize our shared experiences.
In this article, we explore how gratitude can become a catalyst for unity. We examine the barriers that divide us, from systemic inequities to the dehumanizing effects of hate and fear and discuss the power of gratitude to rehumanize our shared experiences. We also explore how Kendall’s Life Languages™ enhance our communication and relationships, paving the way for deeper empathy and understanding. Lastly, you are challenged to embark on a 21-day gratitude journey to shift from dehumanization to rehumanization—rediscovering our shared humanity through compassion and understanding.
The meaning and science of gratitude
Gratitude is more than an expression of thanks; it is a mindset and a transformative practice of recognizing the goodness in life and the sources of that goodness. From its Latin root gratia, meaning grace, gratitude is deeply intertwined with divine favor, connection, and humility. Biblically, gratitude is a recurring theme, reflected in verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which urges us to "give thanks in all circumstances," emphasizing gratitude as an act of faith and alignment with God’s will. It is also illustrated in Psalms 100:4-5, where expressions of thankfulness honor God’s steadfast love and provision.
From a scientific perspective, gratitude transcends the spiritual realm and impacts the physical and mental. Neuroscience reveals that gratitude activates the brain’s reward systems, releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that foster happiness and resilience (Chowdhury, 2019). It strengthens social bonds, enhances mental health, reduces stress, and encourages empathy and prosocial behaviors.
In honor of National Gratitude Month, we are reminded that gratitude is both a divine command and a practical tool for personal growth and societal healing. It bridges the spiritual and the scientific, inviting us to embrace it not only as a way to honor God and connect with others but also as a means to cultivate joy, strength, and unity in our l personal growth and societal healing.
Understanding hate and fear: Barriers to gratitude
Hate, defined as an intense and enduring dislike, is often a learned behavior reinforced by cultural biases, misinformation, and systemic inequities. It can also manifest as a natural response to perceived threats. However, when unchecked, it leads to division and exclusion. Unlike anger, which seeks resolution, hate often dehumanizes its target, making reconciliation nearly impossible (Williams, 2024).
At its core, hate and fear are often rooted in hurt and the instinct for survival. When individuals or groups perceive a loss of power, dominance, or control over others, fear drives behaviors that prioritize self-preservation over empathy. These dynamics fuel division, as individuals cling to superiority rather than recognizing the inherent value of shared humanity. The lens of fear and survival shifts focus from connection to competition, further entrenching cycles of mistrust and dehumanization.
For example, systemic hate manifests in racism, xenophobia, and gender inequality—conditions that perpetuate cycles of fear, mistrust, and oppression. These barriers hinder gratitude by narrowing our focus to fear and scarcity rather than connection and abundance.
Dehumanization vs. Rehumanization
Dehumanization occurs when people are stripped of their dignity and seen as less than human (Resnick, 2017). Examples include the portrayal of marginalized groups as threats or reducing entire communities to stereotypes. This erodes empathy, creating an "us versus them" mentality.
Rehumanization, on the other hand, restores humanity by recognizing shared experiences and valuing each individual’s worth (Halpern & Weinstein, 2000). Acts like community dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, or simply listening to another person’s story help rehumanize interactions. Gratitude plays a critical role here by fostering empathy and recognizing the contributions of others.
Through gratitude, we can break the cycle of survival-based fear and power struggles. Instead of seeing others as adversaries or competitors, gratitude encourages us to appreciate our interconnectedness and shared vulnerabilities, transforming division into unity.
Gratitude as an antidote to division
Gratitude disrupts cycles of hate and division by shifting focus from fear to connection. It fosters empathy, reduces stress, and strengthens social bonds. Research shows that gratitude practices like journaling or reflection can rewire the brain for positivity and resilience (Chowdhury, 2019).
Through gratitude, we begin to appreciate the diversity of perspectives and the richness of shared humanity. For example, expressing gratitude for small acts of kindness or reflecting on lessons learned from adversity helps bridge divides and cultivate compassion.
The role of Kendall's life languages™ in gratitude and communication
Effective communication is essential for unity, and Kendall’s Life Languages™ framework offers a roadmap to deeper understanding. Created by Fred and Anna Kendall, this model identifies seven communication styles, or “Life Languages,” which are categorized into three groups (Kendall & Kendall, 2019):
Action languages: Mover, Doer. These are practical, task-focused styles that thrive on results and forward momentum.
Emotion languages: Influencer, Responder. These styles prioritize connection, empathy, and emotional resonance.
Thinking languages: Shaper, Producer, ContemplatorThese analytical and reflective styles focus on strategy, planning, and insight.
By integrating Life Languages into our gratitude practice, we gain self-awareness and the ability to navigate differences with empathy. For instance, understanding that someone communicates through the "Doer" Life Language (focused on results) versus the "Responder" Life Language (emotionally driven) can help us approach conversations with an appreciation for their perspective.
This framework empowers individuals to express gratitude in ways that resonate with their unique style while fostering deeper understanding of others. By doing so, it strengthens relationships and encourages unity.
A call to action: The 21-day gratitude challenge
To inspire a holistic approach to gratitude, I want to personally invite you to join the 21-Day Gratitude Challenge—a journey designed to help you build the habit of gratitude, one day at a time.
Each day centers on a theme designed to help shift our focus from what divides us to what connects us as human beings. For example:
Day 1: Gratitude for Shared Dreams – Reflect on common goals and hopes that unite us.
Day 2: Gratitude for Diversity – Celebrate the richness that differences bring to our lives.
Day 3: Gratitude for Resilience – Acknowledge the strength to overcome adversity.
These daily themes are not just reflections—they are opportunities to bring gratitude into your everyday actions, deepen your connections with others, and build unity in your life and community.
To support you on this journey, we created the 21 Days of Gratitude Journal: Embracing Unity, Transforming Hearts, which is now available on Amazon. This journal is more than just a guide—it as a companion to inspire and encourage you as you explore your personal gratitude practice. It offers space for daily reflections, insights, and prompts to help you cultivate the habit of gratitude.
You are also invited to take the Life Languages Free Mini Profile to discover your first Primary Life Language. This powerful tool provides insight into how you process and communicate information, helping you build deeper self-awareness and foster better communication relationships with others. By understanding your Life Language, you can further enhance your gratitude practice and communicate it in ways that resonate with those around you.
Conclusion: Gratitude as a path to unity
As we navigate uncertain times, gratitude offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap to healing. It inspires acts of kindness, strengthens social bonds, and reminds us of our shared humanity. By embracing gratitude and fostering compassionate communication, we can transform division into unity and build a future grounded in mutual respect.
In the continued spirit of National Gratitude Month, let us also recognize the reality that not every individual will embrace the idea of humanization or see gratitude as a tool for unity. Division may persist in some corners of humanity, but that does not diminish the power of gratitude to create meaningful change.
My joy for life and hopefulness for humanity, speaking in my "Influencer Life Language," reminds me of this truth: like a cold that spreads through close proximity, gratitude, too, has the power to spread from one person to the next, becoming a contagion of kindness and connection. It starts with one act, one conversation, one moment of shared humanity. From there, it ripples outward, touching hearts and transforming lives.
Let us continue to honor National Gratitude Month by committing to gratitude as a practice that not only enriches our lives but also restores our collective humanity. Are you ready to begin? Join the 21-day gratitude challenge and discover how gratitude can transform your perspective and the world around you. Together, we can be the carriers of a contagion that unites us all.
Dr. Veronica Powell, PhD, LPC, PC, Measures4Success, LLC
With over 25 years in Behavioral Health, Training and Organizational Development, Dr. Veronica Powell, the 'Communication Doctor,' turned a personal trauma into a mission to revolutionize virtual communication. As the Owner of Measures4Success and an Independent Certified Life Languages Communications Coach, she's a dynamic force equipped with diverse skills, including those of an Industrial Organizational Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Trauma Professional, among others. Shifting from the "Therapyroom" to the digital "Courseroom," she guides others through her online platform, M4S Academy, to transcend digital barriers and achieve personal and professional growth.
References:
Bible Gateway. (2011). 1 Thessalonians 5:18. New International Version (NIV). Retrieved here.
Bible Gateway. (2011). Psalms 100 4-5. New International Version (NIV). Retrieved here.
Center for Action and Contemplation. (21 November 2022). Sharing God’s grace. Retrieved here.
Chowdhury, M. R. (9 April 2019). The neuroscience of gratitude and effects on the brain. Retrieved here.
Halpern, J., & Weinstein, H. M. (2018). Rehumanizing the other: Empathy and reconciliation. Retrieved here.
Kendall, F. & Kendall, A. (2019). Communication IQ: A Proven Way to Influence, Lead, and Motivate People. Life Languages International. New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House.
Resnick, B. (2017). The dark psychology of dehumanization, explained. Retrieved here.
Williams, L. (2024). All about hate: Definition, health effects, and how to cope with It. Retrieved here.
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