2024 has been a uniquely tumultuous year for the transgender community. Political tensions have been high, legislation that impacts our daily lives has been in the spotlight, and society has felt more divided than ever. Many of us have struggled with fear, anger, sadness, and uncertainty about the future. As Donald Trump prepares to re-enter the White House in 2025, those fears may be intensifying. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, I’ve discovered a powerful tool that has renewed my hope: gratitude.
I am a transgender woman who, like so many in our community, has faced a particularly rough road in 2024. My personal struggles—especially those related to my transition—were incredibly overwhelming. But it was precisely during this low point that I stumbled upon a beacon of light. My closest friend, who had weathered her own storm of hardships, recommended a transformative book called The Secret. Intrigued by how it changed her life, I decided to read it and see if its message might lift me out of my funk. What I found was so much more than just a motivational pick-me-up. The lessons about gratitude, the Law of Attraction, and positive thinking began to resonate on a deeper level, showing me ways to shape a more fulfilling 2025.
Although we find ourselves in uncertain political and social waters, I believe wholeheartedly in our community’s ability to stand strong, support one another, and discover hope where we least expect it. This article delves into how the concept of gratitude, as popularized by The Secret, can help us navigate this difficult moment in history, not just to cope, but to thrive. By taking proactive steps—whether through journaling, daily affirmations, or community engagement—we can create an emotional and spiritual safety net for ourselves and each other in 2025.
Reflecting on 2024: Transgender Realities and Resilience
Before exploring the power of gratitude, it’s important to acknowledge the circumstances that have made 2024 such a trying year for so many transgender individuals. A surge in anti-trans rhetoric and legislative efforts around the globe—from healthcare restrictions to bans on discussing LGBTQ+ topics in schools—created a hostile environment that no one should have to endure. Many of us felt the sting of isolation and fear. We found ourselves uncertain about our basic rights, from job security to healthcare, while also grappling with the emotional toll this climate exacted on us and our loved ones.
Politically, the anticipation of Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office in 2025 casts a shadow on many aspects of transgender life. From healthcare coverage to anti-discrimination policies, the potential rollback of protections can spark anxiety, frustration, or even anger. On a personal level, I found that these large-scale upheavals interacted with my own transition journey in unsettling ways. Beyond the broader policy debates, 2024 was a year of personal obstacles—self-doubt, mental health struggles, and, on top of it all, financial pressures that tested my resolve on a day-to-day basis.
Despite these hardships, the resilience of the transgender community shines through in remarkable ways. We have come together to support each other in online forums, local meetups, and community initiatives. We’ve donated to each other’s GoFundMe campaigns for gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapy. We’ve consoled one another during moments of crisis and celebrated each other’s milestones. While the headlines can paint a grim picture of trans life, our daily acts of solidarity remind us that we are strong and that, collectively, we can stand against the tide. Even in the darkest moments, our community’s resilience is a testament to our power—a power that can be amplified when we embrace the concept of gratitude.
My Introduction to The Secret: A Pathway to Gratitude
I owe much of my newfound perspective to one of my closest friends. She, too, has journeyed through some extremely trying times—from working at a job, that was just that, a job and not a career to facing public and private discrimination. At the height of her despair, one of her friends recommended the book The Secret, and it was that nudge of hope that changed everything for her. Curious and skeptical at the same time, she dove into the pages and discovered a philosophy that combined universal laws, positive thinking, and the transformative potential of gratitude.
Her excitement was impossible to ignore. She talked about manifesting goals, visualizing success, and cultivating a daily gratitude practice. I remember sitting across from her, enthralled by her story of how she went from moving to the United States, not knowing anyone to landing a coveted position in her dream career. The engine that fueled her turnaround, she said, was the unwavering focus on gratitude: appreciating what she had, however small, and trusting that the universe would respond to her positivity.
Up to that point, I had heard of The Secret, mostly in passing references online. Many people spoke of it either dismissively or with blind devotion. Because of that polarizing reception, I was hesitant to invest my time in it. But seeing my friend’s transformation shook my cynicism. I decided to read the book and also watch the documentary. From the first few chapters, I was struck by how the teachings seemed to reflect lessons I’d already gleaned in my life, though never quite articulated. The emphasis on gratitude felt both radically new and strangely familiar. It was a reminder that I could find small glimmers of hope, even when everything else seemed bleak.
Understanding Gratitude Through the Lens of The Secret
At its core, The Secret popularizes what is often called the Law of Attraction: the idea that the energy you put into the world—especially your dominant thoughts and beliefs—shapes your reality. If you constantly focus on what you lack or what frightens you, you may draw more of those negative experiences into your life. On the flip side, if you channel your thoughts toward abundance, well-being, and gratitude, you invite more positivity and opportunities for growth.
Gratitude forms a vital part of this system. Why? Because it amplifies feelings of joy, self-worth, and optimism. When you take the time to acknowledge what you’re thankful for, you subtly shift your mindset from one of despair to one of possibility. It’s not about ignoring real-world problems or pretending they don’t exist. Rather, it’s about bolstering your emotional and psychological fortress, allowing you to move through hardships with greater resilience.
For transgender people grappling with discrimination, misgendering, or isolation, harnessing gratitude can become an empowering act of defiance. It’s saying: “Despite the difficulties, I am here, and I am acknowledging every piece of progress—no matter how small—that has shaped my life.” Whether it’s the relief you feel when someone uses your correct pronouns, the surge of confidence that comes from adjusting your wardrobe, or the connection you find in a supportive online community, these are victories worth celebrating. By dwelling on these bright spots, we honor our personal growth and reinforce the internal belief that we deserve respect and happiness.
The Bigger Picture: Gratitude in Times of Uncertainty
After immersing myself in The Secret, I started noticing something interesting: gratitude doesn’t just brighten my day, it also helps me maintain perspective. Reflecting on all the blessings I have—from something as simple as a hot cup of coffee in the morning to something as profound as a supportive friend—brings me a sense of calm. That sense of calm can carry me through stressful headlines and unsettling political developments.
The real world doesn’t disappear when we practice gratitude. Politicians can still pass oppressive bills, trolls might still spew hateful comments, and insurance claims may still get denied. But the mindset we adopt in response to these trials can shift. Gratitude invites us to celebrate the small freedoms we do have and remain vigilant in preserving them. It can also embolden us to push for larger, systemic changes while remembering that acts of kindness and hope are forces that no amount of legislation can fully extinguish.
The more I practice finding reasons for gratitude, the more I am realizing that there are also hidden opportunities in adversity. For instance, challenges can strengthen our resolve to fight for trans rights and unify us in a common mission. They can also inspire us to become role models for younger trans folks who are just beginning to navigate the complexities of identity. When we apply gratitude here, we’re able to see how, in the midst of chaos, we can still find lessons, allies, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Practical Applications: Cultivating Gratitude and Positive Thinking
Embracing gratitude is easier said than done—especially if you’re stressed about housing, employment, healthcare, or just the day-to-day microaggressions that come with being transgender in a polarized society. But even small, consistent efforts can yield noticeable changes over time. Below are some simple, actionable steps you can take:
- Daily Gratitude List: Make it a habit to list five things you’re grateful for each morning. These could be people, physical comforts, emotional breakthroughs, or anything else that sparks even a tiny glow of joy.
- Visual Reminders: Place sticky notes around your living space with short gratitude statements, like “I’m grateful for my resilience” or “I’m thankful for my journey.” This visual cue can help reset your mind when negative thoughts creep in.
- Gratitude Jar: Keep a jar where you can drop slips of paper describing something good that happened each week. At the end of the year, or whenever you’re feeling low, revisit the jar to remind yourself how far you’ve come.
- Mindful Moments: Throughout the day, pause and take a slow, deep breath. Inhale gratitude for the present moment, exhale stress. This simple practice can anchor you, reminding you to appreciate life’s small joys.
- Gratitude Partner: Find a friend, loved one, or community member who’s also interested in a gratitude practice. Check in with each other regularly, share your lists, and celebrate each other’s progress.
- Meditation or Prayer: If you’re spiritually inclined, integrate gratitude into your daily meditation or prayer routine. Focus on envisioning your goals and the blessings you already have.
We may not be able to singlehandedly reverse discriminatory policies or instantly transform the hearts of those who oppose us. But by adopting these practical steps, we can shift the lens through which we view our lives—and, in turn, create a ripple effect in our communities.
Finding Solidarity: Gratitude as a Collective Force
Gratitude isn’t just a personal exercise; it can also foster deeper connections within our community. When we openly share what we’re thankful for, we invite others to celebrate with us. This collective celebration can become a unifying force that transcends differences of race, class, or even differing transition journeys. We are all united by our desire to live authentically and to see the next generation of trans individuals flourish in a more accepting world.
- Peer Support: Local and online transgender support groups often encourage sharing personal wins and breakthroughs. By highlighting these moments with gratitude, we inspire each other to keep going.
- Mentorship Programs: If you’re a trans elder or someone who has been transitioning for a while, consider mentoring a younger or newly-out trans person. Expressing gratitude for your own journey, and sharing that perspective with someone who’s just embarking on theirs, can offer immeasurable emotional support.
- Family Ties: Families of transgender individuals may not always understand the full scope of our experiences, but gratitude can be a bridge. By expressing what we appreciate about their efforts—be it a parent using our correct name or a cousin who defends us at family gatherings—we can reinforce healthier, more supportive relationships.
- Allies and Accomplices: Gratitude can be extended to those in the cisgender community who stand by us, vote for pro-trans policies, and respect our identities. When we acknowledge their support, we strengthen alliances and encourage them to remain active in our fight for equality.
By weaving gratitude into our interactions, we create a supportive community tapestry. It’s not about ignoring the challenges we face, but about ensuring those challenges don’t define our narrative. Instead, we define ourselves through resilience, solidarity, and a hopeful outlook toward the future.
RELATED: Finding Your Tribe: Building a Supportive Community as a Single Trans Person
Gratitude Journaling: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool
If there is one practice that has truly changed my life in 2024, it’s been gratitude journaling. It’s a simple routine—just a few minutes in the morning or at night—and it has the power to reshape how you interpret your day. Whether you prefer a good old-fashioned notebook or an app on your phone, journaling can be adapted to any lifestyle.
- How to Get Started
- Set Aside Time: Dedicate at least five minutes each day to journal. Choose a time when you’re less likely to be interrupted or rushed, such as before bed or upon waking up.
- Focus on Specifics: Vague statements like “I’m grateful for my life” are fine, but adding detail, such as “I’m grateful for the supportive text my friend sent me when I felt lonely this afternoon,” makes the emotion more real.
- What to Include
- Daily Wins: Did you correct someone who used your deadname, and they apologized and used your correct name afterward? Write about that.
- Feelings and Observations: If something brightened your day—like a heartwarming social media post or a friendly wave from a neighbor—capture it.
- Progress Updates: Document how your perspective changes over time. When you look back, you’ll see incremental improvements in your mindset and emotional well-being.
- Long-Term Benefits
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: Tracking what you’re grateful for helps you identify recurring patterns of joy.
- Reduced Stress: By ending the day on a positive note, you can mitigate some of the stress and anxiety built up from external pressures.
- Fostering Resilience: Reading past entries can be a source of strength when you feel low, reminding you that progress is possible even in challenging times.
Over weeks and months, you’ll likely notice a shift in your attitude. Problems may still arise, but your capacity to handle them grows stronger. Gratitude journaling builds a reserve of positivity that you can draw upon when life feels overwhelming.
RELATED: Gratitude Lists: Embracing Growth and Community Support
Balancing Gratitude with Realism and Activism
Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to the struggles that the transgender community faces—especially in a political climate that may challenge our fundamental rights. A major misconception about the Law of Attraction and positive thinking is that it requires us to deny negativity. In reality, true gratitude can coexist with activism and realism. It can even strengthen them.
- Acknowledging Systemic Barriers: Gratitude isn’t about pretending discriminatory laws and policies don’t exist. Rather, it’s about fueling the energy you need to combat them. Yes, be upset by the injustices; let that frustration galvanize you. However, gratitude keeps your spirit from running dry in the long haul.
- Channeling Your Power: When you focus on what is good and possible in your life, you often open up mental bandwidth for creative problem-solving. If you’re feeling perpetually defeated, the path to making effective social change can become murky. Gratitude helps maintain hope—a critical component in any activist’s toolbox.
- Encouraging Empathy: If we understand that everyone is carrying burdens—even those who may oppose us—it can shift how we approach dialogue. Gratitude for one’s own journey can expand into compassion for others, guiding us to more constructive conversations, even when we disagree.
We’re not obligated to be grateful for oppression, but we can be grateful for the courage that rises up in response to it. Every letter we write to our representatives, every protest we attend, and every vote we cast is a reflection of our determination to protect our community. Gratitude functions as the emotional anchor, reminding us that no matter how dark things get, we can still find rays of light to guide us.
Preparing for 2025: Goals, Visions, and the Next Chapter
As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself looking toward 2025 with a renewed determination. Thanks to the lessons in The Secret, and particularly its focus on gratitude, I feel more equipped to navigate what comes next. Here are a few ideas to keep front-and-center as we approach the new year:
- Create a Vision Board
Use images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals—be it in your career, personal life, or transition. Place this board where you see it regularly so it can keep your focus aligned with what you truly want to manifest. - Professional Ambitions
If employment or career hurdles have been a concern, apply the Law of Attraction by visualizing success and maintaining gratitude for every step that brings you closer—like a promising networking event or a supportive reference. - Personal Well-Being
Whether it’s finally starting hormone therapy, seeking out mental health support, or planning a gender-affirming surgery, express gratitude for each small milestone. Acknowledge every sign of progress or helpful ally you find along the way. - Building Stronger Alliances
Commit to nurturing relationships with friends, family, and allies who affirm your identity. Express gratitude for those who stand by you, and show appreciation for efforts—both big and small—that uplift our community. - Political Engagement
While a new administration can heighten anxieties, consider ways to stay informed and engaged without losing yourself to dread. Be grateful for each moment of community resistance, every successful legal victory, and every policy shift that moves us forward.
Entering 2025 doesn’t mean forgetting the hardships of 2024, but rather using them as a foundation for growth. Gratitude lets us take lessons from this year and transform them into momentum for the next.
How Gratitude Strengthens Self-Love and Affirmation
For many in the transgender community, self-love can be an elusive concept. We grapple with body and gender dysphoria, societal judgments, and internal conflicts about who we are versus who we want to be. Gratitude can play a pivotal role in bridging these emotional gaps, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and affirmation.
- Body Positivity: Expressing gratitude for what your body can do—whether it’s walking, dancing, singing, or hugging—can serve as a counterbalance to fixating on what you wish were different.
- Mental Health Gains: Regularly acknowledging the progress in your therapy sessions or your ability to cope with anxiety and depression can cultivate a kinder inner dialogue.
- Social Connections: Being thankful for the relationships and friendships that celebrate you as your authentic self amplifies your sense of belonging and self-worth.
Self-love is more than just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of a stable, fulfilling life, especially when living in a body and identity that society doesn’t always understand. Gratitude fuels that self-love by reframing what we have and who we are in a positive light. With each note of thanks you write to yourself, you reinforce the idea that you’re worthy of kindness, safety, and joy.
Compassion for Trans Families and Support Systems
Families—whether chosen or biological—often feel the ripple effects of our personal journeys. Parents may worry about our well-being in a hostile environment; siblings might navigate their own emotional landscapes as they support or misunderstand us; partners may struggle to comprehend the emotional layers of our transition. Cultivating gratitude can ease some of this tension and fortify these connections.
- Gratitude for Effort: If a loved one tries to use your preferred name or pronouns correctly, even if they stumble, expressing gratitude can reinforce their efforts and encourage them to keep learning.
- Teaching Moments: When conflicts arise, approach them from a place of empathy. Thank them for being willing to talk, and calmly share how certain behaviors or language affect you. In this way, gratitude functions as both an olive branch and a catalyst for deeper understanding.
- Shared Reflection: Encourage family members to adopt their own gratitude practice. You can even turn it into a weekly ritual—each person shares something they’re grateful for about the other, fostering an environment of mutual respect.
By employing gratitude as a tool for bridging gaps, we can help our families and allies better understand our experiences and become more proactive in advocating for our needs.
Community Care: Bringing Collective Gratitude to Action
While individual efforts are crucial, collective endeavors can elevate the entire transgender community. Imagine how powerful it would be if support groups, activist organizations, and resource centers integrated gratitude practices into their frameworks. Workshops could include sessions where members share what they’re thankful for—be it the space to gather safely or the resilience of the group as a whole. Online communities could encourage daily “Gratitude Threads” where people from all over the world celebrate small victories.
- Advocacy and Service: Non-profits and grassroots organizations might host “Gratitude Drives,” encouraging donors and volunteers to contribute not just items or money but also notes of appreciation for trans individuals and families in need.
- Celebrating Milestones: Annual Pride events could add a gratitude ceremony, acknowledging the strides made in legislation, healthcare, and community-building, while remembering the struggles that shape our ongoing fight.
- Passing the Torch: Longstanding trans leaders can use gratitude as a way to mentor emerging voices in activism and social justice. Recognizing someone’s potential and thanking them for their contributions can inspire them to keep forging ahead.
When gratitude becomes a community ethic, we find more reasons to come together, collaborate, and mutually uplift. Our collective resilience sends a powerful message to the world: we are more than just a marginalized group fighting for basic rights—we are a community that values love, growth, and the transformative power of hope.
The Bottom Line
As 2024 winds down, our community stands at a crossroads. The political challenges and social unrest can feel daunting, but they also provide an opportunity for unity, innovation, and personal growth. My own journey this year has been shaped profoundly by the lessons found in The Secret—most notably, the power of gratitude to flip despair into determination.
Gratitude isn’t a magic wand that erases injustice or stops political headwinds. Rather, it’s a mindset that centers us in hope, encourages resilience, and fosters deeper connections with ourselves and others. It’s a tool we can wield to better endure, push back, and ultimately thrive despite the storms on the horizon. By continually recognizing what is good, what is possible, and what we have the power to create, we light the path forward not just for ourselves but for our entire community.
2025 may hold uncertainties, but it also holds promise. With gratitude as our compass, we can step into the new year with clearer visions, stronger self-belief, and a readiness to face whatever comes next. It’s my deepest hope that we, as transgender individuals and allies, will keep gratitude at the heart of our personal and collective journeys, using it to propel us toward a future that is more inclusive, accepting, and radiantly free.
