The Courage of Gratitude: A Daily Practice

“When we focus on the good, even in the midst of life's challenges, we choose courage over fear. Gratitude isn't a practice reserved for when things are easy; it’s most powerful when we feel stretched or vulnerable. Looking for the good is not about ignoring pain or pretending everything is perfect. It's about trusting that there is always light within the darkness. When we learn to see beauty in the ordinary, joy becomes a daily practice rather than a fleeting moment.” -Brene Brown

Life is filled with challenges, and it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of negativity. Our brains are naturally wired to focus on what’s wrong—an evolutionary mechanism called negativity bias, designed to keep us safe. While it helped our ancestors survive, this bias can leave us dwelling on the negative and missing out on the good that’s right in front of us.

Here’s the truth: what we focus on grows. Dwelling on the negative floods produces stress hormone in our body leading to inflammation and a weak immune system. But here’s the empowering part—when we seek out the good, no matter how small, we can rewire our minds for positivity and resilience.

As Brené Brown reminds us, gratitude isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing courage over fear and trusting there is light even in the darkest times. Joy doesn’t have to be a fleeting moment—it can become a daily practice when we look for what's good even in the most ordinary.

Start small. Notice when something warms you, the sound of laughter, or the comfort of a favorite song. Pause to savor these moments, and let gratitude find a home in your heart.

This past weekend, I spent time in reflection and gratitude. I made a list of all the things I was grateful to experience and be a part of this year. There were so many wonderful moments in 2024. It wasn't without challenges, nor did I meet all of my goals. I did, however, bring the feeling of LOVE with me into every experience. When I thought about how I wanted to show up in the world this past year, LOVE came to mind. I just knew that if I focused on love, good things would happen. I focused on doing what I loved, leading with love, sharing love, and most importantly loving myself. Not all of my goals were attained, but I did make progress in every area and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

This month, challenge yourself to find the good in your life every day. Keep a gratitude journal, share moments of joy with someone you love, or simply pause to appreciate what’s already present. Set an alarm on your phone to pause and find some good at any time throughout your day or multiple times. The more you seek the good, the more it will reveal itself to you.

What good can you find today? Let it be your starting point for a brighter tomorrow.