We’re all familiar with the feeling of gratitude, that heartfelt, bone-deep appreciation of the things in our lives, large and small, that we’re thankful for: friends and family, a gorgeous sunset or bouquet of flowers, even a really good cup of coffee.
During challenging times, these feelings may be slower to surface, blanketed by worry or frustration. Pausing for a few moments each day to shift our focus to the good things in our lives can help us disengage from negative thoughts and bring us back to a place of personal reflection, and greater happiness.
The beauty of a regular gratitude practice is that there are many ways to do it. Thankfully … our MYX coaches are sharing their suggestions about how to start a practice, as well as what they personally are grateful for this holiday season.
Dan Lawrence
What are you grateful for?
My wife—my best friend and business partner, who has helped me get through quarantine and this incredibly tough year. I’m also grateful to be able to coach at MYX, and for the amazing MYX team and community!
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
I use a gratitude journal. At the end of the day I bullet point 3 things I'm grateful for, including events that occurred during the day. I believe gratitude is closely linked to empathy, and empathy is the true human superpower.
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
Start small with a weekly or monthly mantra, or simply expressing your thanks out loud to one person each week.
Garner Pilat
What are you grateful for?
My health, my fiancé, my family and friends. Also, FaceTime, my cat Libby, virtual fitness, Netflix, and kind people.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
By practicing breath work, even if it's just for one minute. I slow down and reset my mind, especially if I’m having negative thoughts. It helps me refocus on the positives around me.
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
There are many ways to practice gratitude—through meditation, breath work, or journaling. Find what works best for you, what you’re most comfortable doing, so you’ll stick with it.
Christina LaGrega
What are you grateful for?
Life has been quite a journey for me. Growing up, I watched many people I loved walk out of my life, and because of that I‘ve had a tough time trusting people and letting them into my heart. Sometimes, my "wall" makes me come off as cold and disconnected, but that is so not the case. That being said, I am so grateful for the people in my life who gave me a chance, took the time to really know me, and love me and all of my imperfections.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
At least once during my day, usually when I’m driving alone somewhere, I turn down the music, or just find a place of stillness, and I reflect on something that made me happy that day, regardless of how big or small, how serious or silly. For me, those small bits of happy add up and make my cup overflow.
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
Blessings in life come in all forms, sizes, and shapes. Take a moment each day to reflect, to look back at what created a warmth inside of you and made your heart smile. There is no right or wrong when it comes to what fulfills you — so don’t overthink it or judge it. Just love up on it!
Shaun Tubbs
What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful for so much. But I’m mostly thankful for every opportunity I have to get better. That could be in a workout, in a relationship, with a hobby, or just waking up to a new day.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine?
I'm getting better at saying 'thank you' out loud for what I'm grateful for, whether it’s a person, an idea, or even the meal I'm eating.
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
Look for small opportunities for gratitude even before the big one, for instance your cup of coffee or hearing a song you love. It's the little things that I find add up to something big.
Lauren Sambataro
What are you grateful for?
My health! I couldn't be more grateful to wake up with the energy and vitality that I have. I know that my immune system and energetic body are strong because I take care of them. It gives back to me tenfold. I'm also incredibly grateful for my family who are endlessly supportive and loving, and for their health. I can't imagine getting through this year without them!
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
I take 5 to 10 minutes every morning before picking up my phone, or any tech, to just be present with myself, tune into my body and thoughts and consider everything that I am and have. That brings a huge sense of gratitude and peace before I look out into the world. If I start my day like this, I have so much more to give to those around me—friends, clients, my community, my family. Gratitude helps me to give and spread love!
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
Wake up 15 minutes earlier each morning to have quiet time. Don't check in with the world until you've checked in with yourself. Gratitude journaling can also be part of a nighttime routine—for anyone who struggles with anxiety or disturbed sleep, writing down 3 things you’re grateful for before bed can lead to a more restful night.
Dyan Tsiumis
What are you grateful for?
My fiancé, my pup, family, friends, a healthy body and mind, my career, coffee, and my ability to see the good in people and situations.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
I write down what I’m grateful for before bed each night. I also incorporate it into any and every challenging moment or experience.
Justin Flexen
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for my health and my body, and what my body can do.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
Every day I find moments to say, "I am grateful for this"— even for little things like my bed or my favorite sweatshirt!
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
I say keep it simple. Just taking a moment to appreciate what you have can create a habit of finding gratitude in all things.
Donna Scro Samori
What are you grateful for?
My health, my family, my home, my job, my friends—my life!
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
By telling those around me how much they mean to me and by carving out time for the things that I enjoy. I’m not a big gratitude journal person because it feels like one more thing to do; I find it more genuine to express it in the moment.
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
Take the time to do what makes you feel gratitude so the feeling is real.
Jesse Barton
What are you grateful for?
My son, and that his glaucoma is currently in a manageable state; the support of my husband; my health and the health of my family. I’m grateful that I have a job, a house, and a strong support system. I'm also grateful to be in my late 30s and to have more empowerment, courage, and resiliency than I did in my 20s.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
Every night when I lay down to go to sleep, I make a mental list of 5 things that I’m grateful for that day. I practice gratitude every single day, and have for seven years— since becoming sober. Learning how to have and express gratitude has literally changed my life.
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
Just grab a piece of paper (or open up a note on your phone) and start with "I'm grateful for..." and then list some things. No matter how bad things seem, there are always things to be thankful for. Once you start living in gratitude, your whole sense of wellbeing increases. There is plenty of science to support this.
Kristin Condon
What are you grateful for?
Family and friends, getting to do work I love.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
When I am walking I try to think of things I am grateful for that day. Every Sunday I journal a list. My gratitude practice is so important— I think it’s key to a positive mindset and a positive mindset leads to making more positive choices in life.
What is your suggestion for someone who wants to begin a gratitude practice?
Start small, be consistent, and notice how you immediately view everything in a more positive light.
Sara Haley
What are you grateful for?
Four healthy kids and a happy marriage.
How do you incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine?
I'm currently still breastfeeding my almost one-year-old who is my 4th and final child. Every time I hold him close I count my blessings. For my 42nd birthday this year, I listed 42 things to be thankful for and shared on social media. There were so many people who loved this idea and wanted to do it. I think it's a great thing to do on your birthday.
So, MYX Fam. You’ve heard from our coaches, but now we want to know what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving. Tag us on Instagram and let us know!
