On Giving and Thanks and Gratitude

Hi! It’s been a minute since my last blog post. Farm life gets reeeeeeal busy in the fall. My medical writing job picked up at the same time, and before I knew it… BOOM! Thanksgiving.

And that’s exactly what I want to talk about — giving thanks. Specifically, the importance of having — and documenting — a gratitude practice.

Before I get into it, I want to share that 2022 has been a challenge for my mental health. I’m grateful to be feeling like myself again, and psychedelic medicine was a huge help.

That’s why I give back by donating to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). In fact, 5% of my intuitive consulting fees go directly to MAPS. They’re pioneering the work that’s saved countless lives, including my own.

I’ve just added some juicy new offers for the end of the year. Please take a look!

What Is a Gratitude Practice and How Do You Do It?

A gratitude practice is something you can do to turn a crappy mood upside down in less than 10 minutes. Honestly, it probably won’t take more than five. 

All you have to do is list things you’re grateful for. There are so many fun ways to make a gratitude list, such as:

• Write 10 to 20 things you’re grateful for on a piece of paper and hang it somewhere you’ll see
• Begin or end your journaling session with a gratitude list
• Open the voice memo app on your phone and speak gratitude for three to five minutes
• Trade gratitude lists with your partner, roommate, BFF, or anyone you trust
• Speak or read your gratitude list to yourself in the mirror
• Speak a gratitude list out loud to yourself while you’re cleaning the house, folding laundry, or walking your dogs

I’ve done all of these. If I’m speaking out loud, I like to pretend I’m sharing the list with someone who’s really excited for me. I imagine their loving, supportive responses and light up with good vibes!

Why Is Gratitude Important?

When you focus on what feels good in life, you’re not thinking about the things that aren’t working out. Practicing gratitude is the fastest, most effective means to perspective shift I’ve found so far!

Take it a Step Further

If you really want to up-level your gratitude practice, try manifesting. I know it sounds like hocus pocus, but, trust me, it works — and I’ll prove it in just a moment.

Anyway, if you’re not into hocus pocus, you’re reading the wrong blog, babycakes!

Here’s how to combine manifesting with gratitude:

1. Start with a gratitude list of your choice. Get really into it so you can feel the euphoric buzz in your body.
2. Once you’re in a state of bliss, wrap up your gratitude list.
3. Then, start talking/writing about something you want to happen, and state it as if it’s already come to be. For example, if you want a new job, you’d say, “I’m so happy and grateful I landed my dream job! The interview went great, and they offered me double the pay of my old job, etc.” Get creative with it. No dream is too big! The important thing is how you feel when you say/write it. For this reason, something you don’t truly want won’t work.
4. When you’re finished, add, “all of this, or something even better,” and then your closing of choice. I usually end with, “and so it is.”

Why Is it Important to Document Gratitude Lists?

Firstly, because it’s fun! More importantly, keeping a record of your blessings and manifestations means you can look back on them years from now.

Remember when I said I had proof that the manifesting trick works? Well, I wasn’t lying!

This week, I went back and listened to some voice memos and read lists I made when I first started this practice… back in 2018!

Here’s what 2018 me had to say:

I am so happy any grateful to have bought my first home. It’s on acres of property in New England near mountains I hike with my dogs every day. I spend most of my time in my large garden, writing novels and sipping coffee. I have an amazing group of boss babes who meet every couple of weeks to share food and ideas. My husband and I both have thriving careers that allow us to work remotely and have steady streams of passive income, so it’s easy to spend the winter months at our beach home in Baja. AND my hips are strong and flexible 🙂

Me from 2018

While some of that hasn’t panned out, yet, I’m totally writing this from my 10-acre farm in the woods of coastal Maine. I have no doubt the palapa in Baja will come to fruition in due time!

Reading this makes me smile. I remember what it felt like to long for things I currently have, with no clue when or how I’d get them.

I gotta say, it’s a huge relief to take a break from focusing on all the work that lies ahead and look back on how dang far we’ve come. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stressed out, I highly advise giving gratitude a try! Please let me know how it works for you 🙂

If you found this post helpful, you can buy me a coffee to show your gratitude. I appreciate you!