“Just Be Grateful” Is Lazy Advice - And You Deserve Better.

We’ve all heard it: just be grateful. Usually tossed out when someone dares to want more than what they have.

Here’s the problem: gratitude isn’t a substitute for growth. And using it to silence people? That’s called toxic positivity - and it’s BS.

Gratitude and ambition can coexist. You can appreciate what you have and want better. In fact, research shows that real gratitude is internal - it’s noticing and savoring the good. It’s not pretending everything is good.

When someone tells you to “just be grateful,” what they usually mean is “stop making me uncomfortable with your needs.” That’s about them, not you.

So yes, practice gratitude. But don’t let it be an excuse to stay small. You’re allowed to want more. You’re allowed to expect more. And you’re allowed to outgrow situations that no longer fit - no matter how grateful you are for where you started.

Because settling isn’t gratitude. It’s fear dressed up as virtue.