Gratitude works*

Change your focus, change your life

A good friend read last week's blog and suggested that I talk about some intentional habits that have helped me get unstuck and move toward defining success, joy, and happiness on my own terms. Today, I'll talk about how gratitude has changed my life.

All of us reading this likely have enough food to eat, shelter over our heads, and the resources to have options on how we can spend our time. Intentionally expressing gratitude every day will change your brain. There is science behind it:

Since the Fall of 2022, I've started most mornings praying, journaling, and generally grounding myself before the day begins (before any news/emails/texts or social media). Here are some things I wrote in my journal last week that I was grateful for:

• Monday:  I published my first blog yesterday on Substack! I also got a great workout in as the sun was coming up.

• Tuesday:  I grabbed coffee with a struggling friend yesterday. I was able to make a difference simply by listening to him.

• Wednesday:  Yesterday was a tough day at work. So...I'm glad I woke up! (Some days are hard, and the things you are thankful for might be smaller)

• Thursday: Today was much better! It's amazing what sleep can do. I was able to make progress on the issues that seemed insurmountable yesterday.

• Friday:  For Sadie. She loves to be at my side in the mornings. (If you have a dog, you know!)

This may seem like a weird or corny practice to you. No one is immune from challenges. Things are going on in our world that are upsetting. Each of us is facing a battle that no one knows about. While we often can't alter our circumstances, we do have the power to intentionally shift our attention to the blessings we have. That’s where the magic is. Gratitude has changed my life, and it can change yours too. When you change your life, you remove the focus from yourself and are in a position to positively impact those around you.

If you've never done it, try it for the next seven days. It takes 5-10 minutes each time. Grab a journal or the Notes app on your phone and write down 3 things you are thankful for each day.

If you already have a gratitude practice, I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. Have a fantastic week!

Sadie approved this message.

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*It’s been a busy summer! I’m reposting some early blogs for those who may have missed them. I’ll use the next few weeks to recharge and come back with refreshed creativity. I am adding voiceovers on a new mic, so that’s a bonus. Thank you so much for your support!