The Practice of Gratitude: Small Shift, Big Impact
Most of us are trained to notice whatās missing, whatās wrong, or what needs fixing. I want to let you in on a little secret my friend... what you focus on expands. What you focus on, you find. What you focus on, you become. If you constantly focus on problems, youāll feel weighed down. If you focus on gratitude, your brain literally rewires itself to see opportunities, beauty, and connection. Gratitude shifts you from survival mode into a state of abundance. Think about it for a moment... when was the last time you paused and really appreciated something as simple as a warm cup of coffee, your partnerās laugh, or the fact that you woke up breathing today? These small moments, when acknowledged, create a ripple effect in your mood, your relationships, and even your health. Let's Talk About Why Gratitude Works - Rewires your brain: Studies show gratitude strengthens neural pathways that support positivity and resilience. - Improves relationships: Appreciation makes others feel seen and valued, which deepens connection. - Boosts energy & mood: Gratitude floods your system with dopamine and serotonin..your brainās natural "feel good" chemicals. Easy Gratitude Practice You Can Start Today: The 3x3 Gratitude Method - Every morning or evening, write down 3 things youāre grateful for. - Then, for each one, write WHY youāre grateful for it. (The āwhyā is what makes it powerful & what makes it stick .. creating those new neural pathways of evidence for the brain.) Example: - Iām grateful for my morning run ā because it clears my mind and sets me up for a focused day. - Iām grateful for my partnerās support ā because it reminds me Iām not alone in this journey. - Iām grateful for my challenges ā because theyāre shaping me into someone stronger. Bonus Practices (try one today): - Gratitude Text: Send one quick message to someone, telling them why you appreciate them. - Gratitude Pause: Before a meal, silently give thanks for the food and everyone who played a role in - bringing it to your table. - Gratitude Anchor: Pick one daily trigger (like brushing your teeth or starting your car) as a reminder to think of one thing youāre grateful for.