Let’s be real for a second—gratitude is one of those things that everyone talks about. You see it all over Pinterest and Instagram:
“Gratitude is the key to happiness.”
“Grateful heart, happy mind.”
“Start each day with a grateful heart.”
Cute quotes, right? But here’s the deal… are we actually living it?
Because I’ll tell you what—when you truly start practicing gratitude on the daily, it can change everything. I’m not talking about toxic positivity or slapping a “thankful” sticker over a tough season. I’m talking about real gratitude. The kind that grounds you, calms your nervous system, shifts your perspective, and reminds you of all the beauty that exists—even in the mess! Daily Gratitude Practices can help you embody this shift consistently, so it becomes second nature instead of a once-in-a-while reminder.
Gratitude Isn’t Just Fluff—It’s a Superpower
Science backs it up: consistent gratitude practices can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost immunity, and even rewire the brain for positivity. (Yes, your brain is that powerful.)
But beyond the science? It just feels good. Gratitude shifts you from a place of “not enough” to more than enough. From what’s missing to what’s magical.
And honestly? Sometimes we need that reminder—especially in the middle of life’s chaos, comparison traps, and to-do list spirals.
How We Practice Gratitude on Retreat
At my retreats—whether you’re swinging in a hammock at Retreat Ranch or sipping cacao with your toes in the sand at a beach retreat—gratitude is a thread woven through the entire experience.
We don’t just talk about it—we live it.
Here’s how:
- Morning Gratitude Journaling
We invite guests to start the mornings with a few simple gratitude prompts. Not pages and pages—just a few things you’re grateful for right now. Big or small. A hot shower. A good laugh. The fact that you made it to the retreat.
- Gratitude Walks
Nature has a way of putting everything into perspective. We’ll walk in silence sometimes, simply noticing what we’re grateful for with every step. The breeze. The horses. The sun. The breath.
- Group Sharing
There’s nothing more powerful than hearing others share what’s on their heart. During our circles, gratitude naturally rises—even in the hard moments. And when one woman speaks her truth, it creates space for everyone else to do the same.
Real Talk: Practicing Gratitude at Home
Here’s where most people fall off the gratitude wagon—they get home from a retreat, or they hear a podcast about gratitude, and they’re like, “Cool, I’ll write in a journal!” And then they do it for 2 days and forget about it.
Let’s keep it simple. Let’s keep it real. Let’s make it stick.
Here are 5 easy and sustainable ways to bring gratitude into your daily life:
Gratitude in the Mirror
Each morning, look yourself in the mirror and say ONE thing you’re grateful for—bonus if it’s about yourself! “I’m grateful for how I showed up yesterday.” “I’m grateful for this strong, beautiful body.” (Even if you feel awkward—do it anyway.)
Sticky Note Reminders
Write little gratitude notes and stick them on your bathroom mirror, your laptop, your fridge. Simple things like “Today I’m thankful for second chances” or “Grateful for the hot coffee.” Instant energy shift.
Gratitude Text Chain
Start a group text with friends or family and share one thing you’re grateful for each day. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it creates accountability and connection.
Gratitude at Meals
Before you eat, take one deep breath and silently give thanks—for the food, the hands that made it, the farmers that grew it, the drivers that drove it, the store that stocked it, your body that gets to enjoy it. This one alone will ground you like crazy.
Bedtime Gratitude Brain Dump
Before you close your eyes, list three things you’re grateful for from the day. Even if it was a dumpster fire of a day, find something. Your comfy bed. Your pet’s snuggles. The fact that you made it through. Gratitude doesn’t cancel the hard—it softens it.
Daily Gratitude Practices like these don’t need to take a lot of time—they just need intention. Start where you are, with what you have, and watch your perspective shift.
A Gentle Reminder
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring pain, pretending everything’s great, or forcing yourself to be cheery when you’re struggling. It just means choosing to also acknowledge the good. And that little shift can move mountains over time.
Whether you’re deep in the work at one of my retreats, or just trying to make it through a Tuesday without losing your mind, gratitude is the anchor. It brings you back to what matters. It brings you back to you. And when those moments feel hard to access, go back to your daily gratitude practices—because consistency over perfection is what creates transformation.
And if you’re looking for a little more structure, heart, and daily guidance, my 7-Day Manifestation Course is a great place to start. We weave gratitude into every single day—and I’ve watched women use this practice to completely shift their mindset, energy, and joy.
So let’s start now. You ready?
I’ll go first.
I’m grateful for YOU—for reading this, for showing up, for doing the work. The world is better because you’re in it.
With a heart full of thanks,
Shannon
