Grateful for Being Alive

Each morning, I dedicate a few quiet moments to grounding myself in gratitude. It’s a ritual I’ve cultivated over time, and it has become an essential part of my life. The moment I wake up, before reaching for my phone or letting my mind wander to the day’s to-do list, I pause and reflect on three things I am truly grateful for. Sometimes it’s something big, like my mom’s endless support and love, or my dogs, whose playful energy never fails to make me smile. Other times, it’s something simple, like the warmth of the sun shining through my window or the sound of birds chirping outside. No matter what I choose, this act of gratitude helps me start the day with a positive mindset.

This practice is not just a way to find happiness; it’s a conscious choice to see the good in life, even when things feel hard. There was a time when I couldn’t imagine feeling thankful. After my stroke, everything felt uncertain and overwhelming. I had to relearn how to live, which included finding joy in small victories, like walking a few steps or moving my hand more freely. Gratitude didn’t come naturally then, but over time, I learned that celebrating even the smallest things could shift my perspective. Now, these morning moments of reflection are a way of honoring that lesson, reminding myself daily of how far I’ve come and how much there is to appreciate.

What I love most about this ritual is its simplicity. It doesn’t take much—just a few minutes—but the impact is profound. Gratitude has this amazing ability to reframe your thoughts, pulling you away from stress or negativity and grounding you in the present moment. By focusing on what I have instead of what I lack, I find it easier to face challenges with resilience. For instance, on difficult days when my body feels uncooperative or my emotions feel heavy, I return to those three things I’m grateful for.

Through this daily ritual, I feel more connected to myself, my loved ones, and the world around me. It’s helped me cultivate a deeper sense of peace and resilience, especially in times of uncertainty. Life isn’t perfect, and there are still moments of doubt or struggle, but gratitude gives me the strength to keep going. Every day I choose to be grateful is a day that starts with hope and ends with a sense of fulfillment. And for that, I’m endlessly thankful.