By: Jason Gerber

In exploring the delicate balance between practicing gratitude and pursuing personal growth, Monique Wellise offers fresh perspectives in her book “Finding Mo: A Handbook for Coming to Life.” Her insights illuminate how to navigate the sometimes conflicting desires to be content with what we have and to reach for what we aspire to become, crucial for those seeking a fulfilling life.

Gratitude, as Wellise points out, is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness and contentment. It allows us to appreciate the good in our lives, from the simplest pleasures to our most significant achievements. 

However, she cautions against using gratitude as a means to suppress our inner voice that calls for growth and change. This “gratitude trap,” as she describes it, can lead to complacency and a failure to pursue our true potential.

Wellise shares her personal experience of having a well-paying job, treasured friends, a kind daughter, and a home near the ocean. On the surface, these blessings seemed enough to warrant constant gratitude. 

Yet, she found herself grappling with a nagging inner voice that yearned for more. For years, she silenced this voice, believing it was selfish to want more when others had so little. This internal conflict is one that many can relate to – the guilt of desiring personal growth when we already have so much to be thankful for.

The turning point for Wellise came when she encountered Howard Thurman’s quote: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. That’s what the world needs – people who have come alive.” 

This perspective shift allowed her to see that pursuing personal growth and “coming alive” was not selfish but rather a responsibility to the world. She realized that by settling for “good enough” and suppressing her desires for growth, she might be denying the world something it truly needs.

Wellise emphasizes the importance of listening to our inner voice and honoring our true purpose. She suggests that failing to do so can manifest in various ways, including health issues. 

Drawing from her own experience with Hashimoto’s disease, she explores the connection between ignoring one’s life purpose and physical well-being. While this connection may not be universally applicable, it underscores the potential consequences of neglecting our inner calling.

The key to balancing gratitude and personal growth, according to Wellise, lies in practicing authentic gratitude while remaining open to growth opportunities. 

She advises against using gratitude as a way to avoid facing challenges or pursuing dreams. Instead, she encourages readers to cultivate a genuine appreciation for what they have while simultaneously working towards their goals and aspirations.

Wellise offers practical strategies for maintaining this balance. She suggests regular introspection and quietude to tune into our inner voice. By carving out time each day for reflection, we can better understand our true desires and aspirations. She also emphasizes the power of positive self-talk and affirmations to reinforce our belief in our ability to grow and achieve our goals.

Another crucial aspect of this balance is aligning our goals with our authentic selves. Wellise warns against pursuing growth for the sake of external validation or societal expectations. 

Instead, she encourages readers to seek growth that resonates with their inner values and passions. This alignment ensures that our pursuit of personal development is fulfilling and sustainable.

Wellise also touches on the broader impact of personal growth. She argues that by coming alive and pursuing our purpose, we contribute to a much-needed shift in collective consciousness. This perspective frames personal growth not just as an individual endeavor but as a way to positively impact the world around us.

Final Words

In short, Monique Wellise’s book, “Finding Mo: A Handbook for Coming to Life” offers valuable lessons on balancing gratitude and personal growth. She teaches us that true gratitude doesn’t mean settling for less than we desire or are capable of achieving. 

Instead, it involves appreciating what we have while actively working towards our goals and aspirations. By striking this balance, we can live fulfilling lives, honor our true selves, and potentially contribute to positive change in the world. 

Wellise’s insights remind us that personal growth and gratitude are not mutually exclusive but complementary forces that, when balanced, can lead to a more authentic and purposeful life. Download your copy today to improve your life. 

Published by: Khy Talara