Gratitude Changes Everything

It had been a few weeks after my last ectopic pregnancy and I was a wreck, to say the least. I was angry, unbelievably sad, anxious, tears were always right under the surface, and I was grasping for understanding. One of my inspired church leaders gave me the advice to start a gratitude journal. I was a little turned off by the idea if I’m totally honest. How in the world could I find things to be grateful for right now when everything feels so dark and heavy? Regardless of my hesitation, I started… I kept a running list in my phone of random moments I was grateful for:
“I got a text reminding me someone is thinking of me.” “I got out of bed and accomplished things around the house.” “Hayden was extra snuggly today.” “It was beautiful outside so we went outside to play.” “A friend came to get Halli so I could rest.” “I laughed out loud at a text from a friend.” “I’m grateful we have Blue Bell ice cream in the fridge.”

Any little thing I wrote down. At night right before bed, I would write down at least three things where I saw tender mercies from my Heavenly Father.

This gratitude exercise was life-changing. Finding things in my day made the grief not feel so heavy. My anxiety wasn’t as crippling and at night I could sleep a little better. Having gratitude gave me lots of new perspectives so I could feel more moments of peace. I could see more moments where Heavenly Father was aware of me. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said, “We can choose to be grateful no matter what.” This experience helped teach me the power of gratitude! It is amazing.

So... find a journal, make a section of gratitude notes on your phone, or I did both. I promise it will help you no matter your situation. Your list doesn’t have to be very long. I only started with three things at first. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant the moments or things you are grateful for, I truly believe anyone can have the life-changing blessings of being grateful, and seeking out those tender mercies from Heavenly Father.

Start today! Practice gratitude for a week and see how it changes everything in your life. Then let me know how it changes you and your day.