Gratitude Can Grow from Unlikely Places

Nothing shifts your perspective quite like sitting across from someone who has fought battles you can’t even imagine—still standing, still trying, still hoping.

This week, I visited a halfway house to drop off clothes for one of my daughter’s former cellmates, newly released and rebuilding her life from the ground up. As I sat at the kitchen table helping the women craft their resumes, I asked them to share a little about themselves. Their words weren’t just stories—they were raw, unfiltered truth. And they planted a seed in me that hasn’t stopped growing since.

These women aren’t just starting over; they’re fighting for a second chance. The system demands so much—fees, required meetings, classes—all while trying to find a job that will accommodate these constraints. My head spun just hearing about it. And yet, despite everything, they show up. They keep going. Because they want something better. And I admire the hell out of them for it.

Before I left, I told them I saw my daughter in them and that I’d do whatever I could to help. We cried. It was an emotional moment. I would want someone to help my daughter if I couldn’t be there. And they are all someone’s daughter.

Driving home that night, I thought about my own life—the things I take for granted every day. A family that loves and supports me. A roof over my head. A warm bed. A steady income. Even something as simple as a driver’s license and a car—the freedom to go where I need to without barriers.

More than anything, I felt overwhelming gratitude for the relationships in my life—especially how far my daughter and I have come and how proud I am of my son and his girlfriend for the life they’re building together.

From Judgment to Understanding

I’ve been reflecting a lot on my past self this week—the one who was quick to judge. Because we all have choices, right? Why didn’t they just choose better? Like so many who have never faced true adversity, I thought it was that simple.

I’ve always had compassion, but this was different. Listening for true understanding opened my eyes. The obstacles these women faced from childhood, the cycles they were born into, the lack of choices—it was overwhelming. The hug I gave my daughter’s former cellmate felt symbolic because I hadn’t been able to hug my own daughter in over three years. In that moment, it was the closest I had.

Why was I put there to hear their stories? What was I supposed to do with that? I’m still figuring it out. But I do know this: My own painful journey with my daughter led me to that moment of understanding. And for that, I am grateful. Even hardship can plant seeds of gratitude.

Choosing a Grateful Heart

Life gives us a choice: focus on what’s missing or focus on what’s here. When you choose gratitude, you open the door for even more good to flow in. Because what you focus on grows.

Every morning, before the chaos of the day begins, I take ten minutes to write in my gratitude journal. A small habit, but life-changing. I train my mind—first thing in the morning—to look for silver linings. And you know what? It works. I find them everywhere.

Life’s struggles are inevitable. But they are so much easier to carry with a grateful heart.

The other day, someone said to me, "Even with everything you’ve been through, you always seem happy and at peace." And they weren’t wrong. Most of the time, I am. But here’s the thing—peace doesn’t just happen. Happiness isn’t luck. It’s a choice.

I’ve stopped giving my energy to what’s wrong and instead focus on what’s right. The hard stuff? I hand that over to my Higher Power. Worry has never solved a single thing. Not once. But it has stolen my joy, and I refuse to let it anymore. Life is too damn short.

Gratitude During Difficult Times

Real talk: Sometimes, life is just freakin’ hard. And it’s okay to feel the weight of that. It’s okay to sit with the pain. No one is immune to struggle.

But here’s what I’ve learned—you can’t change what’s already happened. Radical acceptance isn’t about liking your circumstances; it’s about accepting them as they are. When we resist pain, we give it more power. But when we acknowledge it, we create space for healing.

We all go through seasons of heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty, and sometimes, the weight of it makes it hard to see anything good. But while it’s important to honor those feelings, I challenge you not to stay in that space too long.

Let yourself feel, but don’t let yourself drown. Shift your focus, even if just a little at a time. Look for small moments of light—a kind word, a deep breath, the sun on your face. Even in the hardest seasons, there is always something good. And when you focus on gratitude and hope, that light grows.

The Ripple Effect of Gratitude

Since starting my gratitude practice, I’ve noticed profound changes. My relationships have deepened. I’m more present. I make sure the people I love know they are loved. Every night, I end the day with a thankful prayer, and every morning, I wake up hopeful. Not because life is perfect, but because I refuse to let worry steal my peace.

But the biggest change? How I see and interact with others. My time at the halfway house opened my eyes to the resilience it takes to rebuild from nothing. Gratitude has taught me to meet people where they are, with understanding instead of judgment.

Learning this lesson has transformed my relationship with my daughter. We’ve come so far. Our dynamic now is one of mutual respect and unconditional support. The bond we share is stronger than ever—a gift I will never take for granted.

Gratitude has opened my heart in ways I never imagined, showing me that life isn’t just about our personal battles—it’s about how we choose to walk through them together. When we appreciate what we have, we recognize the struggles of others and feel moved to help. That’s the ripple effect of gratitude.

Imagine a world where we all made that choice—more kindness, more understanding, more connection. It starts with us. One moment of gratitude at a time.

A Challenge for You

This week, I invite you to start a simple gratitude practice. Each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for—big or small. At the end of the week, look back and reflect. Notice how your perspective shifts when you focus on what’s right in your life. Because what you focus on grows.

I’m grateful for you, Babe!