Hey there!
Let me tell you about my week. I caught some germs. Yes, the sniffles, the achy body, the “I-can’t-even” level of tiredness—your girl was down bad. But instead of throwing myself a pity party, I decided to lean into something that never fails to shift my perspective: gratitude.
Now, before you roll your eyes and say, “Gratitude while I’m sick, Really?” hear me out. Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the struggle or pretending everything is fine. It’s about finding those little nuggets of goodness in the middle of the chaos. And let me tell you, gratitude works wonders—not just for your mind but for your body too.
Gratitude as Medicine for the Soul
When I was curled up with my tea and blanket, I thought about how grateful I was to have a comfy place to rest, a 7-year-old who’s old enough to understand when Mommy says, “Let me recharge,” and some over-the-counter meds to get me through. I won’t lie—my patience was tested, but staying grounded in gratitude made my recovery feel a lot smoother.
The Bible hits this nail on the head in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV): “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice it doesn’t say give thanks for all circumstances but in all circumstances. Big difference!
Gratitude Shifts Your Focus
Let’s be real—life as a mom, nurse, and overall superhero can be draining. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong. But gratitude? It’s like flipping a switch. Suddenly, the overwhelming day at work becomes a chance to say, “Thank you, Lord, for the strength to make it through.”
Gratitude helps you focus on what’s good, no matter how small it might seem. Like that one patient who smiled and said, “Thank you,” or your kid who cracked a joke just when you were about to lose it. Those moments? They’re everything.
A Simple Gratitude Practice
Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Start small:
- Morning Gratitude Check
Before your feet hit the floor, think of three things you’re grateful for. It could be your health, your kids, or the fact that your coffee creamer didn’t run out (we’ve all been there). - Gratitude Journal
At the end of the day, jot down a few things that made you smile. You don’t need a fancy notebook—just something to remind you of the good in each day. *I do sell journals on Amazon if you would like to support! Click here. - Gratitude in the Moment
When you feel yourself slipping into frustration, pause and find one thing to be thankful for. It might feel silly at first, but trust me, it works.
Psalm 118:24 (KJV), says it best: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Even on hard days, there’s something worth rejoicing about.
How Gratitude Helped Me Heal Faster
I’m convinced that gratitude played a part in my quick recovery this week. Instead of wallowing, I focused on thanking God for what I could do—like resting, hydrating, and letting my body heal. Gratitude doesn’t make the germs go away, but it does make the journey feel lighter.
Plus, let’s not underestimate the power of joy on your immune system. Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” So, Sis, laugh, smile, and count those blessings—it’s basically self-care for your soul.
Take a Gratitude Break with Me
Here’s my challenge for you this week: Take five minutes each day to focus on gratitude. Write it down, say it out loud, or just think it in your heart. Start small, and watch how it changes your mood, your energy, and even how you show up for others.
Let me know in the comments—what’s one thing you’re grateful for today? And don’t forget to grab your Self-Care Love Note Template as a little bonus to keep you grounded in gratitude.
Stay Rooted, Resilient, and Thankful!
