THANKSGIVING IS ONE DAY – LET’S BE THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL EVERY DAY!
Maintaining a positive mindset can sometimes feel like an uphill battle in the whirlwind of life’s ups and downs. Aging? Family or Workplace issues? The election? Health? Losing your house and car in the hurricane? There is always a lot going on; however, cultivating positivity, nurturing an attitude of gratitude, and keeping our inner community happy can profoundly impact our overall well-being and outlook on life.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explore the question of gratitude with women in my life over the past several months as I spent time with past college friends and then the celebration of a “big” birthday with special friends from my past as well as communicating with my dear friend I’ve known since we were 6, that lives in Asheville, and yes, she lost her home and her van. My friends helped me explore the transformative power of practicing gratitude and how this practice helps us navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
1. The Transformative Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is a practice that can shift our perspective and transform our lives. It’s too easy to focus on what we lack or what’s going wrong. Still, by consciously focusing on what we’re thankful for, we can reframe our thoughts and cultivate a sense of abundance and contentment.
Here is some of what my friends had to say:
“it’s the little things I’m grateful for… like you know, my coffee in the morning…or things I was hoping would come together came together”.
“Now that I am only working part-time, it’s the extra 9 minutes on my phone’s snooze button”.
“It’s the random acts of kindness that I have witnessed and the ones I have partaken in…There will be 3 policemen in front of me at the coffee shop, and I will give them my credit card, they say no, no, you don’t need to do that and I’m doing it because it makes me feel good. I know what they do for the community”.
“I was in the hospital, the weather was not good, and it was a busy holiday, yet many people unexpectedly came to see me anyway.”
The simple practice of gratitude helps us appreciate the small, often overlooked blessings in our lives and shifts our focus away from negativity. Expressing gratitude to others, whether in the form of a heartfelt thank-you note or a simple gesture of kindness, can also foster a sense of connection and positivity in our relationships.
2. Cultivating Positivity: The Key to a Fulfilling Life
Maintaining a positive mindset is not about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it’s about:
- choosing to focus on the good,
- finding silver linings,
- and approaching life with optimism and resilience.
It’s a mindset that empowers us to see opportunities where others see obstacles and find joy in the simplest moments.
One of the most powerful ways to cultivate positivity is through mindfulness. By being present in the moment and acknowledging our thoughts and feelings without judgment, we can develop a greater self-awareness and a more balanced perspective. Mindfulness practices such as:
- meditation,
- deep breathing,
- taking a few moments each day to quiet the mind
- walking your dog or sitting on a bench and people-watching
These can help us tap into peace and tranquility, even amid chaos. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences, whether music, books, or supportive friends and family, can greatly impact our outlook on life.
By immersing ourselves in a positive environment, we can cultivate a resilient mindset and be capable of weathering life’s storms with grace.
Speaking of storms, my childhood friend watched the river’s power take entire houses down in her neighborhood as she stood mesmerized on her front deck. Once she heard the cracking of the garage next door, she decided to evacuate!
She says “I am grateful to have left the thunderous destruction and go into a house with neighbors…grateful for the folks who led daily meetings to make sure we had our needs met: boiled water? Medications? Food to eat…grateful for the folks who helped me move my possessions through 100 yards of mud into 6 different houses…I never felt afraid, despondent, just curious about what might happen next”.
3. Practicing Gratitude and Positivity
Practicing gratitude can be as simple as keeping a daily gratitude journal, as my husband does, where he jots down a few things he is thankful for. Reflecting on our journey and the challenges we’ve overcome can deepen our sense of gratitude. Acknowledging how far we’ve come and the lessons we’ve learned along the way can foster a greater sense of resilience and strength.
If keeping a journal is not one of your favorite things, you can try my technique, which works for me and many of my leadership and coaching clients. I practice in my daily shower by asking myself 4 questions:
- What am I grateful for right now? It might be the hot water on my back or my good night’s sleep last night.
- What am I looking forward to today? On this beautiful fall day, I might watch a granddaughter play basketball or take an hour-long walk.
- What am I letting go of (or trying to)? Maybe not drinking wine during the week or avoiding foods that don’t make me feel good. Perhaps the anger I feel from this crazy election.
- What is my intention for the day? For me, this means taking one action. Today, it is about finishing this blog!
Pick your way to express your gratitude. Surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts and encourages you, which is essential for maintaining a positive mindset. The wonder of Rancho La Puerta is that that community has been available every time I have visited over the past 40 years! Whether it’s friends, family, or like-minded individuals, having a strong support system can provide the encouragement and positivity we need to weather life’s challenges and celebrate its triumphs.
In conclusion, nurturing an attitude of gratitude, cultivating a positive mindset, and keeping our inner community happy are invaluable practices for navigating life’s journey with grace and resilience. By embracing these practices, we can foster a sense of abundance, joy, and inner peace that will uplift and sustain us through life’s inevitable ups and downs. Remember, positivity is a choice, and by choosing to prioritize gratitude and inner happiness, we can transform our lives in immeasurable ways.
Rumi says “Wear Gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life” or as my friend from Asheville says among the ruins “It feels better to feel better”.
Barbara Healy is a trusted leadership advisor, executive and well-being Inner Fitness coach and facilitator dedicated to helping leaders create courageous futures. With over 25 years of experience across industries – spanning startups, mid-stage, Fortune 500 giants and non-profits and has earned her praise as a “game Changer”.
Barbara has held numerous leadership positions. She has taken her expertise in “all things talent management” to numerous clients. Among many, Barbara has worked with the leadership teams at Yale/New Haven Healthcare system, Goldman Sacs and Boeing.
A life-long learner, Barbara is a master facilitator of The Coaching Clinic. She is certified in Positive Psychology, Team Emotional Intelligence and Communication Styles. With an M.S. in organizational systems renewal & whole systems design, she is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School’s The Art and Practice of Leadership Development and Boeing Company’s Accelerated Quality Improvement Program as well as Corporate Coach University.
Barbara will be teaching in our Inner Fitness program the week of July 19, 2025.
