Joel Zuckerman—-corporate, conference and incentive speaker

Author and speaker Joel Zuckerman has learned gratitude from the ground up. Brick by brick, one letter at a time, over the last decade. He’s written some 215 Letters of Gratitude, commencing, appropriately enough, around Thanksgiving, 2013.

These heartfelt (and often humorous) letters have been important touchstones to most every recipient. They’ve been mailed to family members, old friends, new friends, business acquaintances, industry colleagues, and those who have mentored, assisted, or otherwise supported him.

“For maximum emotional and spiritual benefit, one must actively pursue gratitude,” explains Zuckerman, a two-time Book of the Year award winner in his previous career as a golf and travel writer (to see Joel’s other milieu, visit The Vagabond Golfer).

“It’s not enough to be reactive, waiting for something to be grateful about. Human nature being what it is, many people find it easier to find things to be annoyed, frustrated and resentful about rather than things to be grateful about.” “Instead, be proactive in pursuit of gratitude” continues the Park City, Utah resident. “Virtually every encounter, any face-to-face interaction, opens a pathway to be grateful, even if only for a moment. A hundred small, seemingly insignificant victories will add up, and improve one’s outlook, equanimity, and well-being.”

“It’s as simple as the old adage, “giving is better than receiving,’ explains Zuckerman, who’s ninth book, simply titled Grateful, was published in 2021. “Writing Letters of Gratitude (L.O.G’s. for short) is a foolproof way to achieve more balance, harmony, and fulfillment in life. It’s as simple as that.” 

Listen to Joel's interview on KPCW