I used to be my own harshest critic.
Failure? That was me.
Failed career. Failed marriage. Failed at being a decent person, too — or so I thought.
Every mistake from my past would replay like a broken record in my head. I couldn’t seem to escape the feeling that my life was one big string of disappointments.
It was exhausting.
how I discovered gratitude (and a friend I’d been ignoring)
Things didn’t really shift for me until I reconnected with someone I’d been ignoring for too long — God.
When I finally started praying and talking to Him again, something inside me changed.
For the first time in years, I felt grateful. And not just for the big things — though those blessings started showing up too — but for the smallest things:
- A kind word from a stranger.
- A good cup of coffee in the morning.
- Laughter with my kids.
The more I noticed them, the more abundant they became. It was like life had been handing me gifts all along — I just hadn’t been paying attention.
Even the “evil witches” (aka toxic people) in my life? I found reasons to be thankful for them too. They taught me lessons about strength and setting boundaries. Not bad, right?
my gratitude journaling habit
I’m an old-school pen-and-paper kind of writer.
There’s something deeply satisfying about scribbling your thoughts and feelings down. Sure, the clack of my keyboard has its own magic, but journaling hits differently.
Writing down what I’m grateful for became a daily ritual.
It gave me peace — like taking a deep breath after a long day.
what changed for me
Once I started practicing gratitude, my world shifted.
It used to feel like I was stuck in an old black-and-white movie. Now? Life is in full color.
I found purpose again.
Negativity doesn’t burst my bubble anymore.
Gratitude gave me more than just good vibes — it gave me resilience and a hopeful heart.
how you can start
It doesn’t take much.
- Grab a notebook and write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
- They don’t have to be big or life-changing. It can be as simple as, “I’m thankful for the neighbor’s dog not barking today.”
- Or, “I’m grateful I got through my work without losing my mind.”
The more you practice, the easier it gets. And soon, you’ll notice life feels lighter, even during the hard days.
That’s the magic of gratitude.
Ettenyl Writes 