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The Power of the Practice of Gratitude

Updated: Aug 7, 2021

Globally you hear a collective cry of the impact of COVID-19: the lockdowns, isolation, the impact on families, plus the increase and exacerbation of mental health issues.


In March 2020, just prior to the lockdown, I was inspired to a start of 30-day series of expressions of gratitude. Although the pace of life had ramped up, I listened to this inner call. Intuition whispered that the practice would bring some calm and focus to my now crazy business life.


Initially, I focused on people who had inspired, coached, mentored, and supported my journey. I was drawn to those who taught me the difference between theoretical concepts and action, knowledge versus behavior. The list was long, and I developed a calendar with various themes for the series. (That's what continuous improvement specialists do!) My list included family, health care colleagues, my CEO leadership coach, and a group of intriguing, loyal friends.


Then the lockdown was announced. I had a perfect calendar of who I would highlight each day and then I was inspired to go with the flow, allow the lesson, the person who I felt reflected the spirit of the day to be shared. For example, initially, I had planned to leave family until the end as I felt these stories would be too emotional while I was still learning how to record the videos.

Gift #1: Reason to Get Up: Early during the lockdown this new task gave me something to focus on. Halfway around the world from close family and friends, I was forced to get up, get dressed even put on makeup and focus on someone else. I smiled every day, even cried happy tears.

Gift #2 No regret: On April 18th, my eldest sister made her transition. I had already published my video tribute to her. So many times, family or friends die and there is some regret about the unspoken words of love and appreciation that were never shared. I was so grateful in that moment. She knew the impact she had on my life. She knew that I loved her as a sister and a friend.

Gift #3 Resilience: In the immediate and months since my sister’s death, I finished the 30-day challenge and have continued my daily gratitude challenge.

Along with three other friends the 30-day challenge evolved into us starting a Facebook page focused on gratitude. Our page, “Grateful Tidbits” can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Grateful-Tidbits-100650114976146It

It is really our daily practice shared with the world. We have four themes:

- Daily Grateful Tidbit

- Daily Gratitude Journal excerpts

- Daily Blessings with Rev. Denise

- Dreams Tips

Gift #4 The Power to Get Up off the Floor: On November 26th just 7 months later, death paid another visit to our family. I lost another sister. She was a huge personality, full of life. A wonderful, animated storyteller. Direct, plain spoken. Quiet giver in her community. She always had a huge, bright beautiful smile and encouraging words for everyone with whom she interacted.

The first week after my second sister’s death I woke up each day not knowing what day it was. I oriented myself, did what I had to do for that day. Made sure that my daily contributions for the Facebook page were loaded. I choose the content for the “tidbits” from website searches, music that I am listening to or books that I am reading. The search for something to share keeps my heart immersed in a space of gratitude. The practice of finding the light in each day is again helping to keep me “whole”.

My recommendation; consider adding a practice of gratitude to your daily routine. It can be as simple as:

1. Starting the day by saying “I’m grateful for today.”

2. Starting a gratitude journal

3. Tell someone why you are grateful for their presence in your life

Your spirit will soar higher on great days and you will see a positive shift in energy on those not so good days.



 
 
 

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