(Warning: Side effects may include spontaneous smiling and excessive appreciation for literally everything)
You've heard it before - gratitude is the secret sauce of life. It's supposedly the magical ingredient that turns what we have into enough, the spiritual WiFi that connects humanity, and the superhero cape that brings out our best qualities. But let's get real for a second...
Gratitude isn't just some fancy buzzword for Instagram captions. For me, it shows up like an unexpected burst of joy; the feeling you get when you find a parking spot close to your destination - except way more profound (but equally exciting). It's that random "holy guacamole; life is actually amazing" moment that hits you when you least expect it. And here's the thing: these moments don't just show up when everything's perfect - they also love to photobomb your challenging times.
So, why practice gratitude? Because it is the key to living a happier life. It helps us focus on the positive aspects and appreciate the small joys that often go unnoticed. By practicing gratitude, we can transform our mindset from scarcity to abundance, finding contentment in the present moment. When life feels more "bitter" than "glitter," I grab my trusty pen and paper (yes, like an ancient Gen Xer) and start my Gratitude Brain Dump™. Here's a peek into my slightly chaotic but totally genuine gratitude journal:
I'm grateful for music, the cheapest therapy session that never judges my dance moves. Those 70 trillion cells in my body are my personal army of microscopic cheerleaders, and they all work together to keep me alive. The school bus driver smiles each morning. Mexican food—though I just call it food (because I'm Mexican). Mariachis, like country music, remind me that regular music isn't dramatic enough.
Christmas tree lights that only work when shaken, and good hair days that are as rare and precious as finding a matching sock pair. The moment you take off high heels, because ouch. Mean people who are my personal coaches in "Who not to Be" and challenging lessons that are life's way of giving us character development. Annoying people who offer free masterclasses in patience and kind people who restore our faith in humanity.
The epic song that comes on in the car when I NEED it, and tiny hands curled up inside mine, making my regular-sized hands feel like superhero gear. It's a well-timed nap and curse words because sometimes "fudge" and "shoot" just don't cut it. Bacon needs no explanation. Deodorant inventors who are the unsung heroes of modern civilization, and pajamas that are formal wear for the soul.
The moment when your phone dies, and you suddenly remember what 1995 felt like. That first sip of morning tea makes me believe in magic—the person who invented stretchy pants and random babies who smile at you during your walk. Finding the long-lost Tupperware lid is like winning the kitchen lottery: the genius who put chocolate and peanut butter together. The perfect avocado ripens precisely when you need it and when you have a good laugh with friends.
Delivery apps that save me from the effort of putting on pants, and the ancient wine pioneer who thought, "Hey, let's ferment grapes," who deserves a toast. The barista who remembers my order and makes me feel like a coffee shop celebrity and the inventor of bubble wrap that has provided therapeutic popping since 1957. Waking up thinking it's Monday, but it's actually Saturday, and the person who created auto-save that has been saving relationships with technology since forever.
When I find money in my winter coat, it feels like past me was looking out for future me. The sound and smell of rain. Weekend brunch. The stranger who holds the door when my hands are full, and the invention of fuzzy socks. When the grocery store opens a new checkout line and picks me first, and that one meme that makes me laugh no matter how many times I see it. And, grateful for the person that invented "reply all'. Just kidding. Not thankful for that 😅.
Here's the thing about practicing gratitude - it's like putting on glasses that suddenly make you see life in HD. You start noticing the magic in mundane moments, like synchronized traffic lights or nailing your parallel parking on the first try.
Something magical happens when you're done listing the things you're grateful for. That burning question of "What more do I need?" gets replaced with a content sigh and maybe a slight urge to happy dance. Because that's what gratitude does - it turns your "I wish I had..." into "How lucky am I to have..."
(Bonus tip: Pair this gratitude practice with your favorite Azomalli tea for maximum effectiveness. Nothing says "I appreciate life" quite like sipping on nature's goodness while counting your blessings! 🍵)
Remember: Being grateful doesn't mean you're ignoring life's challenges - it just means you're choosing to also focus on the little things that make your story uniquely beautiful, even if some include questionable fashion choices and embarrassing autocorrect moments.
Now it's your turn! What's on your gratitude list? (And yes, putting "this amazing blog post" on your list is totally acceptable 😉)