2025 - Week 7 - Tools Part 2

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

This is an episode about using gratitude as a tool and a practice.

If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you.

I'm doing a series on tools for living and last week I talked about the first tool in the tool kit, breathing. Were you able to take 10 deep breaths at some point in time during the day? If not, maybe give it a try this week. Set a reminder on your phone to stop and take 10 deep breaths, your mind and body will love you for it.

Practicing gratitude is the second tool. Gratitude is a simple practice that helps you feel better, stress less and can improve your overall health. Yep, that’s from studies on the power of gratitude and I love that we now have tangible proof of the benefits.

Last year I talked about the science behind gratitude. You can find out more in 2024, episode 38. One of the biggest things I have discovered about gratitude is how I feel when I come from a place of appreciation. Physically I feel my body shift from frustration to a more relaxed state when I choose to appreciate what is happening. I don’t have to like what is happening AND if I accept it and shift my thoughts to being grateful, it makes a huge difference in my next steps. I make clearer decisions when I practice gratitude.

One of my beliefs is that all timing is just right. And if I believe that, what is happening RIGHT now is just right. Being grateful and saying two simple words, thank you is a powerful practice. So I say thank you. All. Day. Long. Thank you is my go to mantra during the day.

Do I get frustrated? lol Yes, I do. And because I have practiced saying thank you so much, it is natural for me to think it and/or say it out loud. Thank you. Thank you. I smile as I say those words. And I feel my body shifting from frustration to appreciation.

If you've listened to any of my podcasts, you know what time it is. It's time to practice lol.

In this gratitude practice, start thinking of what you are grateful for in THIS moment and we will speak those out loud with enthusiasm.

I’m going to share a few things that I am grateful for in this moment as an example of this gratitude practice.

I feel so grateful to be mobile and able to exercise regularly.

I am so grateful that I have the ability to think and make sound decisions.

I give thanks for my supportive husband, my brother and my family and friends.

Thank you for access to healthy food.

Thank you for my creative approach to cooking.

I love having a flexible work schedule.

I am so grateful for ideas.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Now it’s your turn.

Are you ready?

Let's do it!

Let’s take a few deep breaths to ground you in the present moment.

Place both hands in the center of your chest, you may stack them on top of each other or place them side-by-side or whatever way feels best in this moment.

You will take a breath in through your nose and a loud, exhale out your mouth, and will do that three times.

Deep breath in, and exhale.

Deep breath in, and exhale.

Last time, deep breath in and exhale time.

Start with your gratitude practice by saying out loud what you are grateful for in this moment with enthusiasm. You can just say thank you as well.

I’ll be back shortly to close the practice.

I'm back.

How was that for you?

That was a simple gratitude practice. Take a moment to notice how you feel in your body. If

you have an adjective that comes up, say that out loud right now. For me, it is loving.

One of the benefits of gratitude is that it helps us use negative language less. I think that's a pretty good benefit. What about you?

I'm grateful that I started this podcast back in 2017 on a whim. What are you grateful for in this moment?

If you’d like to share your thoughts - [email protected] is the best way to reach me. If social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.