Send a text

Gratitude may feel impossible in grief or trauma, but it can still become a steadying anchor for your heart.

Gratitude sounds simple until life shatters. In this tender, two-part conversation, we explore what gratitude looks like in the real valleys of grief and trauma—and why it often feels out of reach when your heart is hurting.

In the first half of the episode, Larissa shares honestly from her experience as a widow and how long-rooted spiritual habits helped steady her when nothing in life felt predictable or secure. We talk about why gratitude feels harder in heavy seasons, how grief narrows your world, and practical ways to interrupt the negative spirals that come with discouragement and emotional overload.

In the second half, we’re joined by licensed professional counselor Heather Shealy-Mawhirter, who brings biblical wisdom and clinical insight to the conversation. Heather helps us understand how trauma affects the mind and body, why gratitude can feel “inaccessible” after traumatic loss, and how gentle, realistic steps can create space for healing without minimizing pain. Her metaphors and guidance bring clarity, compassion, and hope for anyone who feels overwhelmed by what they’re carrying.

Whether you’re grieving, healing from trauma, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers steady encouragement and practical tools to help you anchor your heart in God’s presence—one small step at a time.

Key Takeaways

• Why gratitude feels especially difficult during grief or trauma
• How long-term spiritual habits can hold you steady when life falls apart
• The difference between grief and trauma—and why both affect gratitude differently
• Why feelings aren’t facts, and how truth helps reframe your perspective
• Gentle ways to interrupt negative thought spirals before they take root
• How gratitude helps widen your view when trauma narrows life to survival
• Why gratitude doesn’t bypass the pain—it anchors what is still meaningful, good, and true

Heather Shealy-Mawhirter, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in Texas and a Narrative and Solution-Focused therapist with extensive experience working with survivors of sexual trauma, anticipatory grief, and life-transition challenges. She brings a unique experiential approach to counseling from her years working with Adventure Therapists and has served with organizations including The Rape Crisis Center and The Children’s Bereavem

• Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life Collection
• Get Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)
• Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarrington
• Larissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick

Habits of Hope Podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.