The "little thanks" are powerful tools for self-care

No friends, that's not a typo, I really believe that life is all about the "little thanks"—those moments of reflection at some point in our day for all we have, for who we are, for the world around us. In the whirlwind of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and often overlook the small details that give our lives meaning and nourish our joy.

The simple yet transformative practice of gratitude, I believe is the keystone of any good self care plan. In order to move forward, we must first pause and be grateful for how far we have come. Beyond just a fleeting feeling of thankfulness, cultivating a habit of daily gratitude can significantly enhance our overall well-being and outlook on life.

A few months ago, I found myself spiraling unattended in the darkness. I had been here before, but this time, the darkness lingered and I felt sort of like little Wheezy from Toy Story. I found myself nearly voiceless, gasping for breath, and buried under the daily demands of life. A life I have built, and I'm very proud of that, but like our toy friend, I suddenly felt lost and forgotten. For months, I waited on the proverbial shelf to be rescued... no one came. I cried almost daily and became paralyzed with dread every Sunday night; at times, I could barely muster the will to shower or brush my teeth.

While my life as a wheelchair user with Cerebral Palsy is generally pretty great and I take pride in how my disability has influenced my journey and empowered my voice, the reality is that life with any disability (be it seen or unseen) can be challenging. In addition, I have battled depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember.

I often refer to myself as a "perfectionist in healing," prioritizing progress over flawlessness. Most of the time, I can manage the challenges life throws my way, but in the last half of 2023, it all became too much. The confines of the pandemic had largely diminished, and yet instead of flourishing in the freedom of being able to return to “normal,” I found it difficult to embrace the return to a sense of "normalcy" and all things from life pre-pandemic.

The truth was the world had changed forever and so had I. One of my critical paths out of the dark, off the shelf, back to the rediscovery of my voice was gratitude... and some therapy. I became more deliberate about being thankful for all that life has given me. 

Developing a habit of daily gratitude can aid in shifting our perspective. It can act as a powerful lens through which we view the world. It allows us to shift our focus away from what’s lacking or challenging and encourages us to recognize the blessings that already surround us.

Practicing gratitude can enhance our relationships with others, boost our mood, aid in improving our physical health and even help us in building better resilience for when life feels “too much.” The act of practicing thankfulness provides us with a foundation of positivity and strength so that we can navigate difficulties with greater ease. Taking time for daily thanks helps us to heal and better reflect.

Embracing gratitude isn’t just a fleeting trend, it’s a way of life that brings immense benefits to our mental, emotional and physical health. By making gratitude a daily part of our self care plan we not only enrich our lives but we also contribute to creating a more compassionate and harmonious world. So, why not start today?

Take a moment a give a little thanks below--What little thing made a big impression of you today?

Today I am GRATEFUL