Gratitude

Cultivate it - Give it Away

In the chaos of modern life, it’s easy to overlook gratitude, to forget the importance of being present for the people we love, and to miss opportunities to encourage, support, and lead them with love.

Gratitude is not just an emotion—it’s an action. William Arthur Ward nailed this thought - "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

We can fail to express gratitude because we’re too busy or afraid.

We can fear expressing gratitude, sounding too sentimental, being mocked, or even being rejected. I love how James Allen expresses this thought clearly: “No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.”

So, do it anyway - Move through the fear.

When life feels like a constant close-in knife fight—as it sometimes does, especially with three small children—I understand how challenging it can be to pause and reflect. The demands of daily life can blur the things that truly matter. Slowing down and remembering your priorities can ground you.

If you haven’t clarified your priorities, now is the time. Stop, think, write them down, meditate on them, be thankful for them, and anchor yourself to them.

If you need a starting point, consider the 7Fs framework:

• Faith: What grounds you?

• Family: Who are the people you love and cherish?

• Fitness: How do you nurture your body and mind?

• Finances: Are your resources aligned with your values?

• Friends: Who supports and inspires you?

• Fun: What brings you joy?

• Fulfillment: What legacy are you building?

These pillars can guide you when life feels hurried or overwhelming. Focus on what’s truly important. Reflect on the people who’ve helped you reach your goals—the friends, family, mentors, and even moments of divine inspiration that have guided you. Some people are so absorbed in their achievements they forget the community and circumstances that enabled them to succeed. Don’t be that person. This is a great time to remember that what seemed like a failure at the moment might have been the turning point towards something great - let go of regret and have gratitude for the path you walked. Don't like your current path? Choose a new one.

When you think about someone, tell them. Yes, it might feel awkward. But consider the alternative: what if they never know how much they mean to you? Passing on gratitude isn’t just for them—it transforms you, too.

Leading with love means understanding those around you, encouraging them, and sharing your gratitude. It’s about telling people what they mean to you, even when it feels unnatural. It’s about being present in their lives and inspiring them to thrive.

Gratitude ripples. When we give thanks, we spark joy, connection, and purpose.

What if God's commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself" was intended to mean loving them as part of the process of loving yourself? Not as a comparison—giving them what you would want—but as an abundance of gratitude and love expressed through your actions.

Love yourself and love others (neighbors) simultaneously, letting love flow freely while living and connecting with others.

Slow down, focus, express gratitude, and tell the people you care about how much they matter. Tell strangers, too. It doesn't cost you anything but pays enormous dividends.

In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, gratitude and love are acts of courage.

Lead with Love.