Mid-Week Motivation

I’m grateful for many things in my life.

And still, I sometimes catch myself wondering:
What if I don’t achieve everything I want to achieve?

I know this much to be true: even if I don’t reach every goal, I will be better for trying. I’ll grow. I’ll go further in life by continuing to pursue my dreams instead of abandoning them.

But I also know this, living only in the future isn’t helpful.

What matters most is coming back to the present and becoming aware of the blessings I have right now.

Gratitude Starts With the Basics

It starts with our most basic needs.

Not long ago, I received a magazine in the mail. On the cover was a photo of a young boy in Africa whose village had just gained access to clean water. That image stopped me in my tracks.

It reminded me that there are people all over the world who still don’t have fresh drinking water, something most of us in the United States have without a second thought.

I’m thankful for clean water.
I’m thankful that I can take a shower today.
I’m thankful for good plumbing, clean clothes, and the ability to pour a glass of water whenever I want.

These are simple things. And yet, they often go unnoticed.

Gratitude Isn’t a Cure-All (And That Matters)

I’m struggling this morning.

And this isn’t going to be a lecture about “just being thankful” when you’re hurting.

Because here’s the truth: it’s not enough, and it’s not fair to tell someone who has been carrying trauma from sexual abuse for decades to “just be grateful” or to “focus on how others have it worse.”

That doesn’t work.
It falls on deaf ears.
And honestly, it can feel cruel.

If healing were that easy, don’t you think those of us who’ve been struggling for years would have done it by now?

If healing were as simple as waking up each morning, saying a positive affirmation, and moving on, we’d all be healed already.

That would be nice… wouldn’t it?

The Role Gratitude Can Play in Healing

Alright, deep breath, now I’m going to sound like a hypocrite for a moment.

Because while gratitude isn’t everything, it does matter.

As I’ve healed more and more, I’ve noticed that gratitude has played an increasingly important role in my healing journey, not as a replacement for deeper work, but as a support alongside it.

There is power in adding a simple gratitude practice to your day.

Not anything big or forced.
Just acknowledging three basic things you’re thankful for each morning—things we often take for granted.

There’s also power in looking yourself in the mirror and reminding yourself:

“I’ve got this today.”
“I’m worth it.”
“I deserve it.”

Small Practices, Real Impact

This isn’t about fixing everything.

It’s about adding supportive habits to your daily routine.
And when combined with the deeper work of healing, those small practices do help.

Not all at once.
Not magically.

But gently.
Consistently.
Over time.

Stay positive and take action!

Thank you for your support!

Resources: For resources, my programs, or to schedule a 30-minute discovery call, visit my website by clicking here.

NEW: I’ve started a private Facebook community called Survivor to Thriver Community: Healing, Support, and Growth. This community is by invite only. I want it to be a place where survivors can go to receive support from others that understand what they’re going through. If you’re interested, please send me an email at [email protected] and let me know you want to join and I’ll send you an invite.