If you are like me, when seasons shift, I can easily to get caught up in everything I should be doing — preparing, organizing, showing up for everyone else. Even amid a 52 month healing journey, my mind and body want to do more than I am physically or emotionally capable of doing. "If I can just get one more thing done before I go to bed..." Can you relate, friend? It's nice to know we are in this together. Let's look at DOING through a different lens. What if the secret to peace in the middle of it all isn’t DOING MORE, but pausing to notice what’s already good?
I truly believe gratitude is one of God’s simplest — and powerful — tools for grounding our hearts and minds. Thankfulness is weaved through the Bible encouraging us to practice giving thanks daily. Gratitude isn't some magic button that erases pressure, but it transforms how we carry it. Each time we whisper “Thank You...,” we make space for joy to rise again.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
1. Gratitude Calms the Body
When we practice gratitude, we shift from the body's fight or flight stress response into our body's parasympathetic rest and receive response. It's an amazing shift, and every time I do it, I am in awe of God. Science confirms what Scripture has shown us all along: a thankful heart literally changes how we feel. God gives us instructions to be grateful in all things - not to mask our sorrows - but to see the good even when things may be difficult. It connects us with His heart and allow us to receive His JOY!
Take a few deep breaths. Name one small thing you’re thankful for right now — warm sunlight, a loved one’s laugh, the smell of coffee in the morning. Notice how your body softens as your heart refocuses on God’s goodness.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
2. Gratitude Reframes the Mind
When I started consistently practicing gratitude, something shifted. This small, yet powerful habit helped me trade overwhelm for perspective. Imagine what that could look like for you! Let's explore that together. When we shift from “Why is this happening?” to “What might God be teaching me here?” or "Who can I help through this?" our thinking changes. We begin to see life through the lens of grace instead of pressure.
This isn’t forced positivity, manifestation, or fake it till you make it— it’s faith. Gratitude opens our eyes to what God is doing, even when life feels uncertain.
“Do not be anxious about anything… but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6
3. Gratitude Releases Joy
I've had many moments where I have grumbled - dirty dishes filling the sink, laundry piled up, a rebellious child, an unmet expectation, another diagnosis...I can easily get lost in all the things that are wrong. Perhaps you can understand. But the moment I intercept the flood of negative thoughts with gratitude, God's Joy fills my heart. Gratitude and joy are connected. The more we practice one, the more the other grows. Each “Thank You, Lord” is a seed — small but powerful. Over time, those seeds bloom into peace, resilience, and deeper trust.
Start with one simple practice this week: write down three moments of gratitude each night before bed. It’s a gentle way to end the day in worship and begin tomorrow in joy.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
A Final Word of Encouragement
Friend, life doesn’t have to feel like a constant race to be okay. You don't have to be doing, doing, doing in order to feel like you have a purpose. I give you permission to let go of the pressure and receive Peace. Push the RESET button! Gratitude helps us slow down and remember that God is already here — working, healing, holding.
Even when things feel messy or unfinished, JOY is still available - trust me I see it every day. Joy lives in the ordinary — the warm mug, the quiet prayer, the laughter that bubbles up when we least expect it --and most importantly in Jesus.
Take a deep breath. Look around. Let gratitude ground you in this moment — right where peace begins.
Let’s Journey Together
Would you like more encouragement and simple, faith-based rhythms to stay grounded this season?
I send out Weekly Joy-Fueled Wellness Tips every Tuesday — practical ways to stay well, create calm, and cultivate joy.
I send out Weekly Joy-Fueled Wellness Tips every Tuesday — practical ways to stay well, create calm, and cultivate joy.
And if your heart is craving calm before the holidays, join me for my upcoming class:
Peace Over Pressure: Finding Rest + Joy in the Waiting
Looking for encouragement and joy for the hard journey, join me monthly for JOY DROP my healing journey and what is working for me:
Peace Over Pressure: Finding Rest + Joy in the Waiting
Looking for encouragement and joy for the hard journey, join me monthly for JOY DROP my healing journey and what is working for me:
With you in the waiting,
Dr. Letticia (Dr. Joy oxox)
Dr. Letticia (Dr. Joy oxox)
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