It was May 2024 when I wrote this title. Even then, I knew that gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions for manifesting anything. When we express gratitude, we energetically align with what we wish to attract. Instead of yearning for what we don’t have, we act as if it’s already here—allowing the universe (or life itself) to respond in kind. As Dr. Joe Dispenza says, “Gratitude is the ultimate state of receivership.”
Beyond manifestation, gratitude has a profound effect on our well-being. Science backs this up, too. Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea; it has tangible effects on our brain chemistry. It boosts dopamine and serotonin, the feel-good chemicals that help combat stress and anxiety.
I came up with this title in May of last year, but that’s as far as I got at the time. Why? Because I felt like a hypocrite writing about something I was REALLY struggling with. Did that mean I had nothing to be grateful for? Of course not! I could probably fill an entire book with the things I’m thankful for. But I was so consumed by what was wrong that I couldn’t see the forest for the trees.
I’ve written before about the importance of our vibration—specifically in my blog “Changing My Narrative,” which I published in November 2020. At that time, I was in the early stages of this journey, but I had already begun to understand the power of our emotions. Even with this knowledge, I still struggled to maintain gratitude when my body was failing me daily. Socrates said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” I’ve always been big on New Year’s resolutions. I usually have at least one thing I want to change or do each year. Until this year. I was in a VERY dark space and knew that I needed to change, but it all felt so overwhelming.
I have always kept a journal. As I was reading through my entries from the past couple of years, I was shocked by how negative my narrative was. My journals were my outlet for so much anger and sadness, but I never considered how writing all that negativity was affecting me. Luckily (or synchronistically?), for Christmas this year, I received two journals—a blank one and a gratitude journal. So, I decided that this year, my goal would be to focus on gratitude and only journal the positive in my life. I am going to rewire my brain to be more grateful and stop being a victim to life.
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you” or acknowledging the good in our lives—it’s a powerful force that can shift our entire perspective. When we cultivate gratitude as an attitude rather than a fleeting feeling, we train our minds to focus on abundance rather than lack. But let’s be real—practicing gratitude isn’t always easy. When life is challenging, when our health, relationships, or circumstances aren’t aligning with what we desire, gratitude can feel forced or even impossible. It’s during these moments, though, that gratitude has the potential to be most transformative.
So how do we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, especially when life feels heavy?
- Start Small: Begin each day by listing just one thing you’re grateful for, no matter how simple.
- Feel It Fully: Don’t just say the words—immerse yourself in the emotion of gratitude.
- Reframe Challenges: Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What can I learn from this?”
- Express It: Tell someone you appreciate them. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Gratitude grows when it’s shared.
- Trust the Process: Even when it’s hard to find gratitude, trust that this practice is rewiring your brain for resilience and joy.
At the end of the day, gratitude is a choice. Some days, it comes easily; other days, it requires effort. But when we commit to an attitude of gratitude, we begin to see the world—and ourselves—through a different lens.
Even in struggle, even in uncertainty, there is always something to be grateful for. And when we focus on that, everything changes.
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