The Value of Gratitude

Being Grateful Has Completely Turned My Life Around

Greetings Family!

As 2023 draws to a close, I want to extend warm wishes to everyone reading this. I hope you're all doing well and looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.

Let's talk about the power of gratitude.

This positive emotion stems from being thankful for someone or something in your life that has resulted from a kind, warm, or generous act. But did you know that expressing gratitude is equally important, especially when things don't go as planned?

Despite its simplicity, gratitude can have an incredible impact and meaning, and it can often be the deciding factor in many situations.

At the beginning of 2023, I made a personal vow to express gratitude for every experience and opportunity that came my way. Positive or negative, I aimed to find something to be thankful for in each moment. While I have always been grateful, I knew I could do a better job expressing appreciation when things didn't go my way. After all, as a Youth Mindfulness Coach, I wanted to be able to share firsthand how powerful gratitude in challenging moments can be.

On January 1st, I woke up with determination to begin my journey. As I said my morning prayers and stretched, I noticed the dreary, rainy weather outside. Despite this, I embraced my commitment and focused on things I loved about the rain: the sound, the fresh scent, and the cozy feeling of snuggling under a warm blanket. While it was challenging to start the year off this way, I persevered. I knew I would have many opportunities to build up my gratitude during good days, but I remained committed to finding something to appreciate during gloomy times.

As I went about my morning routine, I kept my spirits high. Suddenly, my family erupted in joyous screams, “Hurry...hurry...come and see!” Terrified of what was happening, I ran to their voices. To my amazement, when I stepped outside in the rain, I saw not one but two rainbows hovering over our home. Keeping it real with y’all, I couldn't help but cry tears of joy at the sight. Witnessing the rainbow filled me with so much hope and reinforced my year-long mission to be grateful every day, no matter what comes my way.

Reflecting this November, I have to admit that my gratitude journey has been inspiring. Despite facing numerous setbacks and hardships, I have managed to find something to be grateful for. This not only lifted my spirits on difficult days, but it also positively affected the ones that followed.

Gratitude has been a transformative practice in my life.

I could spend ages recounting all the fantastic experiences, opportunities, and great days that have come my way. However, the true value of gratitude lies in embracing all that it brings, rather than boasting about it. With another month and a half to go before the year is over, I'm already convinced of its power. This is not just a year-long experiment, but a lifetime habit that I plan on continuing.

Will you join me?

With Love,

Dr. Amirah

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Whether you are new to expressing gratitude, you only practice when good things happen, or you just want to know why you should, here are a few realizations I’ve accumulated as a result of my experience.

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Remember - You Got This!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Amirah B. Abdullah, DrPH

Founder of For Your Inner G | Writer + Wellness Educator

Dr. Amirah is a mindset and emotional wellness guide helping ambitious souls shift perspective, deepen self-awareness, and heal with intention. Through her blog, A Gym for the Mind, she shares poetic reflections, grounded strategies, and soulful truths to support your personal growth journey. 

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