A Faith-Filled Reflection on Neuroscience, Seasons of Change, and Staying Warm in the Waiting
Life has a way of sending us into seasons we never planned for.
Transitions. Moves. Temporary spaces. Rooms that aren’t yours. Rhythms that feel unfamiliar.
I’m walking through one of those seasons right now.
My life is in a bit of an upheaval — not bad, just stretching.
Everything feels temporary.
My routines. My space. Even my sense of normalcy.
And in the middle of this, God keeps whispering one word to me:
Gratitude.
Not the fluffy kind.
Not the “just be thankful” kind.
But the kind that anchors your heart when everything around you feels like shifting sand.
And the beautiful thing?
Both Scripture and neuroscience agree:
Gratitude doesn’t change your circumstances — it changes your sight.
Here’s what I’m learning as I live this out in real time.
🌿
1. Gratitude Literally Rewires the Brain
Studies show that practicing gratitude activates the prefrontal cortex (focus + calm) and reduces activity in the amygdala (fear + stress).
This shift increases dopamine and serotonin — the brain’s “hope chemicals.”
In simple terms:
Gratitude trains your brain to look for God’s faithfulness instead of the enemy’s fear.
Science calls it neuroplasticity.
Scripture calls it renewing your mind.
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
I’m watching this happen inside myself — in a temporary room, sitting on a temporary chair, surrounded by temporary plans.
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2. Gratitude Softens the Nervous System
When we shift from fear to thanks, the vagus nerve activates — the body’s pathway for safety, peace, and healing.
This can support:
✨ lower anxiety
✨ better sleep
✨ steadier breath
✨ reduced inflammation
✨ emotional peace
Gratitude tells your body,
“You’re safe. God’s still here.”
Even when the scenery changes.
Even when the routine shifts.
Even when the future feels foggy.
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3. Gratitude Strengthens Relationships
This part amazes me.
When we express appreciation, the brain releases oxytocin — the hormone of trust, bonding, and connection.
This is why gratitude softens marriages.
Why it deepens friendships.
Why it heals family dynamics.
A grateful heart sees the good in people, not just the gaps.
It warms the space between souls.
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4. Gratitude Changes the Atmosphere of Your Home
Your words set the emotional temperature.
You can walk into a room and see everything that’s wrong…
or one thing that’s good.
Gratitude shifts:
🌤 heaviness → hope
🌤 frustration → perspective
🌤 scarcity → abundance
And friend… you better believe I’m practicing that right now.
In my temporary season.
In my temporary home.
In my temporary routines.
Because even temporary places are holy ground when God is in them.
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5. Faith Meets Function
Gratitude isn’t pretending everything is perfect.
It’s acknowledging God’s goodness in the middle of the imperfect.
It is choosing to trust before the breakthrough.
To praise before the promise is fulfilled.
To see God’s hand before the story is finished.
“Give thanks in all circumstances…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Not for all things…
but in all things.
And I’m choosing to believe that the very areas of my life that feel “up in the air” right now are simply places where God is still building.
I don’t know how the story ends.
But I do know Who is writing it.
And I’m excited to see how He works it all out.
🌿
6. A Simple Daily Gratitude Practice That Changes Everything
Try this for 10 days:
Each morning, write down:
1️⃣ Something God provided
2️⃣ Someone you appreciate
3️⃣ Something you’re learning
Small list.
Big transformation.
This practice warms the mind, the emotions, and the atmosphere around you.
And I’m doing this right along with you — from my temporary corner, building gratitude one brick at a time.
💬
Join Me — Let’s Practice Gratitude Together
I’d love for you to share yours with me.
Drop your 3 gratitude things below:
1️⃣ Something God provided today
2️⃣ Someone you appreciate
3️⃣ Something you’re learning
Your words might be the encouragement someone else desperately needs right now.
Let’s create a ripple of gratitude together, right here.
✨ Tidbits with Tracie
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