Cultivating Gratitude: The Power of Thanksgiving in Everyday Life

Practicing gratitude has received a great deal of attention in recent years — and for good reason. A daily gratitude practice can reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, and support overall wellbeing — mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Most mornings, I journal and begin by writing what I am grateful for. This simple practice helps me move out of my head and into my heart — a place where I feel connected to God, or, as some might describe it, that quiet, still inner voice. I ask questions and wait. Then follows a back-and-forth conversation. Insights flow through my pen onto the page. 

It is incredible to me the insights I receive and the love that encourages and strengthens me.

Recently, however, deadlines piled up. Instead of journaling, I went straight to the computer, telling myself I’d write later. The problem was I never got to the journaling and, therefore, the gratitude list, and day after day went by.

Before long, I felt tired and achy. My joints hurt, and I developed a sharp, persistent pain near my right temple. I rarely get headaches, so I knew it was because I was worried. My mind was dwelling on fear, and it was why I was physically hurting.

I realized I needed to check in with God, to surrender all my worries and fears, to be held in love, and express gratitude for all the good I have in my life.

When I returned to the daily gratitude journaling practice and felt safe and connected again, my aches and pains disappeared. I was able to let them go into the arms of the beloved, replaced by love and confidence, that no matter what life threw at me, I was not alone, and I had so much to be grateful for.

How Practicing Gratitude Changes Your Perspective and Reduces Stress

When our minds are consumed by negativity and worry, we miss the positive things God is doing quietly in the background — beyond what we can see.

Practicing gratitude and being thankful changes everything.

You become open to seeing the truth about your situation and the miracles in your everyday life, despite hardships you may be facing. It might be as simple as a smile exchanged with a stranger, a joy to have a brief moment of shared humanity.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

When your mind is beset with fear, anger, resentment, and insecurities, you cannot see the beauty in the moment. It's there; sometimes you have to look for it. Cultivating gratitude helps you do that.

How Worry and Fear Block Gratitude — and What Helps

The apartment where we live brings me joy every day — from the evening lights along curved pathways lined with tropical plants, to palm trees silhouetted against the early morning sky, to the brick paving–so intricately designed and displayed. I am grateful for the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into the design and landscaping of these buildings and grounds.

The miracle is that I am here, and what was I doing? I was worrying about things beyond my control, and that might not even happen. What a waste of my precious time. Many people do not have an apartment and live on the street, in a shelter, in a subway, or in a war-torn country, with the constant fear of being bombed.

How Gratitude Helps Heal the Past Without Ignoring It

The Roman philosopher Cicero wrote, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” When I look back on my life, I do so without regret. I see the richness, the lessons, and the strength gained through challenges.

Gratitude can mitigate toxic emotions such as envy, resentment, and regret — emotions that eat away at our happiness.

This doesn't mean we don't heal such issues as trauma or grief that need to be addressed. We do that when necessary with someone who can help us through difficult things. Practicing gratitude is like a natural upper; it is an integral part of our day to keep us healthy in mind, spirit, and body.