Do you ever feel weighed down by negative thoughts? Are you stuck in a loop of feeling unhappy and pessimistic? Do you sometimes get caught up focusing on what’s missing rather than what’s here?
It’s easy to fall into this mindset—especially with life’s inevitable challenges—but one powerful antidote I’ve found is practicing gratitude.
Recently, I was reminded of this during the wild windstorm that swept across the BC coast last week. My power went out, leaving my kids and me in the dark. Instead of frustration, though, it became a night of adventure. We lit candles🕯️played games, lit sparklers outside, and tuned into an old-school radio 📻
When the power came back on, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for something as simple—and essential—as electricity. It was a beautiful reminder of how the small things we often overlook can spark so much joy and appreciation ❤️
For a few years now, I’ve shared a tradition with my kids – taking turns sharing what we’re grateful for to shift in our mindset.
🙏🏽 Gratitude, I’ve found, is a generative force—the more you practice it, the more it grows, helping you to see abundance instead of scarcity.
Why start a gratitude practice?
Gratitude shifts your perspective. Studies show that people who practice gratitude regularly experience higher levels of optimism, resilience, and life satisfaction. When you focus on what you do have, you open the door to greater positivity and peace, and you start finding joy in the everyday moments ✨
Simple steps to start practicing gratitude
🖊️ Daily journaling: each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be big—a cup of coffee, a warm blanket, or a good laugh are all perfect ways to start the day on a positive note.
💬 Share with a friend: I have a gratitude practice with a close friend where we text each other three things we’re grateful for each day. It’s simple, but it’s a powerful way to keep us both grounded and connected.
❤️ Pause and savor the moment: when something nice happens, pause and take it in. Feel the warmth of that coffee cup or the beauty of a sunset—these small moments of awareness can add up.
🪞 Reflect before bed: as you wind down, think about what made you smile today or brought you a sense of calm. Ending the day with gratitude can even help you sleep better.
Are you looking to cultivate more gratitude and positivity in your life? Here are a few ways to dive deeper:
Book a Free Clarity Call to explore how coaching can help you live with more purpose and optimism.
Take my Monster Quiz to reveal what might be holding you back and get actionable tips to tackle it.
Check out my YouTube channel for more videos on building confidence, practicing gratitude, and living your best life.
What are you grateful for today? I’d love to hear from you and keep this gratitude chain growing!
Lots of love,
-Anna
