When we are struck by personal tragedy, often the only way to get a perspective is by focusing on that for which we all have to be grateful. Without gratitude, I believe, a person can not love another, themselves, or their Higher Power. Often it is difficult to remember our best friend, gratitude, particularly when we feel trapped under a black cloud of despair and hopelessness. Those who attend religious services of any kind are helped to focus on gratitude within the rituals and liturgy of their faith. Some of us have no such outlet, and it is to that end we learn to create various reminders to ourselves to draw upon our gratitude.
Some people keep a daily log of gratitude and others create gratitude journals.
We have to take these measures, particularly at a time in history where we are so often reminded to buy things and be aware of dangers. In the gratitude workshop you are reminded of possible things to be grateful for in this life. Those items you want to keep in mind, you check off.