Embracing Joy Through Gratitude

Hello my amazing & beautiful friends!

I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude today. It's no secret that life can throw its curveballs, but amidst the chaos, I've been learning to find my anchor – gratitude. 🙏✨

There's this incredible dance between gratitude and joy; it's like they're old friends, always hand in hand, creating a harmonious symphony in our lives.

Why does gratitude lead to joy?

Well, think about it. When we pause to appreciate the little things, the everyday blessings that often go unnoticed, we're essentially turning our focus from what we lack to what we have. It's a powerful shift in perspective.

For me, it's the simple pleasures – spending time with my kids. Watching a show together, taking a yoga class, playing a board game, just listening to them talk. I do not take this for granted. Every moment that I have with them is precious, especially as they get older and I realize that they will move away and start their own lives soon. These, for me, are the building blocks of gratitude, and guess what? They are also the seeds of joy.

The science backs it up too!

Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can rewire our brains, making us more prone to positive thinking. It's like a magic wand that transforms ordinary moments into sources of joy. It's not about denying challenges; it's about finding the silver lining. But it is an active and constant work in progress. It takes continuous practice and effort. 🙏

So, today, I challenge you to join me on this joyous journey. Pause, reflect, and find something, no matter how small, to be grateful for. Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Let's cultivate a mindset of gratitude, and watch as joy blossoms in unexpected places. Share your moments of gratitude with me either by replying to this email, or by leaving a comment on my Instagram Post (link) – let's create a ripple effect of positivity! 🌈💖

One last thing… I want to share a clip that my counselor shared with me recently. It is of Brene Brown on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday discussing Gratitude, Joy, and how joy is the scariest emotion that one can experience. It really resonated with me because, (believe it or not!), I am notorious for catastrophizing and not allowing myself to be vulnerable and forgetting to enjoy the small things. So this short clip has definitely helped to remind me why it is important to practice gratitude.

https://youtu.be/RKV0BWSPfOw?si=zzFxywEvHWAFZW6C

I wish you the best this Holiday Season.

Valerie Morillo

San Antonio Ashiatsu Massage