Grateful for Gratitude

As both a counselor and a mom, I often find myself standing in two worlds at once. One is full of the stories and struggles women and families share with me every day. The other is full of carpooling, laundry piles, homework helping, and the beautiful chaos of raising a family. In both worlds, gratitude has become one of the most important grounding practices I know—simple, but transformative.

Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is fine or ignoring real stress and struggle. It’s about creating just enough space in a busy, demanding life to notice what’s still good, steady, or supportive. It’s a soft reset and reminder for the mind and an anchor for the heart.

1. Gratitude Calms the Overloaded Nervous System

Many of the women I work with carry so much—emotionally, mentally, physically and practically. I know that feeling well. When we pause to acknowledge something we’re thankful for, the nervous system gets the message that we’re safe enough to breathe. Gratitude helps pull us out of survival mode. It quiets the racing thoughts and lowers stress hormones, even if just for a moment. Those small moments matter. They add up.

2. It Builds Real-World Resilience

Gratitude is not a denial of hardship, it’s a counter balance for it. When I’m in a tough season—whether it’s juggling too many responsibilities or walking alongside a hurting client or child—gratitude helps me remember that difficulty isn’t the whole story. It keeps me connected to hope. For women and families (even my own) under pressure, this shift in perspective can make challenges feel more manageable and less isolating.

3. Gratitude Strengthens Our Relationships

In my home and in my office, I see how powerful it is when people feel seen and affirmed. A simple “thank you” for a spouse’s effort or a few words of acknowledgment for a child can soften tension and build trust. Gratitude brings people closer. It opens the door for connection, healing, and even better communication.

4. It Gently Boosts Mood and Emotional Well-Being

Our brains respond beautifully to gratitude. Even a few seconds of noticing something good can release dopamine and serotonin—the chemicals that help us feel more balanced and optimistic. Over time, this regular practice can reduce anxiety and lift mood in a steady, sustainable way. For moms especially, who often move from task to task without pausing, these micro-moments of positivity can shift the emotional tone of an entire day or even a moment.

5. Gratitude Helps Us See Life with Softer and Clearer Eyes

Something I’ve learned—both as a counselor and a mother—is that gratitude helps return my attention to what matters most. It slows the rush, widens my perspective, and prioritizes. It helps me rediscover meaning in small, ordinary moments. A quiet morning. A child’s laughter. A kind word. Even a deep breath between sessions. These moments aren’t dramatic, but they’re nourishing and needed.

A Genle Practice to Try

Link your gratitude practice to something you do everyday: each time you brush your teach, as you rinse the dishes after a meal, add an alarm reminder on your phone a couple times a day. Take that moment and name three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be profound. What simply brought a smile, gave peace, instilled joy.

Consistency is what creates the shift—not perfection. So be gentle in this practice, and enjoy the benefit.

Gratitude won’t instantly erase stress and struggle, but it will help you meet life with more resilience, warmth, and clarity. It’s a small practice that can transform the internal landscape of a day, as well as your mind and heart.