It was January 2023, I found myself caught in a cycle of negativity, harboring pain from past experiences and struggling to find true happiness in my life. I knew I needed a change, a shift in my mindset, but I was not sure where to begin. That all changed in February 2023 when I discovered the Gratitude app that promised to guide me on a transformative journey.
With eager anticipation, I downloaded the app and delved into its features. The first thing that caught my attention was the journal prompts. Each day, the app provided a thought-provoking question that encouraged introspection and reflection. I started pouring my heart onto the digital pages, allowing myself to fully explore the depths of my emotions, both the highs and lows. This practice of mindfulness helped me gradually release the pain I had been holding onto for years.
But the app did not stop there. It presented me with daily challenges, many trips down memory lane and gratitude that I had to complete. These challenges ranged from writing a heartfelt thank-you card to a loved one, to self-love and reflection. With each completed challenge, I felt a sense of joy and fulfillment building within me. I realized that by actively seeking out opportunities to express gratitude, I was shifting my perspective from focusing on what I lacked to appreciating the abundance that surrounded me.
In addition to the journal prompts and challenges, the app had a feature where I could read the Daily Zen. These positive and empowering quotes and statements became my daily mantra, reminding me of my worth, potential, and the importance of gratitude. As I repeated these quotes and statements out loud each morning like affirmations, their power permeated every aspect of my life, bringing forth a renewed sense of self-belief.
However, the most transformative aspect of the app was the option to share a “thank you” and “think better” card with family and friends. Intrigued by the idea, on November 1st, 2023, my oldest daughter’s birthday, I decided to invite my sisters, with whom I had grown distant over the years, to embark on a 21-day prayer journey with me. To my surprise, they accepted the invitation wholeheartedly, recognizing their own need for healing and connection.
As we began to share our daily prayers, a beautiful transformation unfolded within our relationships. The walls that had separated us for so long started crumbling, and in their place, a renewed sense of love and understanding blossomed. We discovered that the simple act of opening up to gratitude and sharing our experiences had the power to mend the wounds of the past. Instead of avoiding conversation, we found ourselves speaking to each other every morning, sharing the word of God, prayers for our families and the world, bonding over newfound gratitude, and the blessings we had come to recognize.
Fast forward to December 10th, 2023, the 7 a.m. morning call to prayer for 21 days between sisters was on day 40. Also, it had grown now that our mom, our sister, our brothers, and our uncle had joined us as well. All the glory belongs to God.
Through the practices provided by the gratitude app, I not only managed to release the pain that had plagued me for years but also forged a stronger, deeper connection with my sisters and my faith. The journey toward gratitude had not only changed my mindset but had also inspired and influenced those I held dear. It was a compelling reminder that by nurturing an attitude of gratitude, we have the ability to transform our lives and cultivate lasting happiness.
And so, armed with a grateful heart and renewed perspective, I continue my journey, embracing each day as a gift and spreading the light of gratitude to all those I encounter along the way. Thank you.
Gratefully,
Giselle
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