In this episode of Top Self, Shanenn sits down with clinical psychologist and gratitude expert Dr. Peggy DeLong known as The Gratitude Psychologist to explore how gratitude can be a lifeline in life’s hardest seasons.

Whether you’re navigating grief, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm, Peggy shares the science and soul behind why gratitude is most powerful on your worst days not your best. From the moment she found comfort in a cup of hazelnut coffee while sitting at her fiancé’s deathbed, to her 5-minute daily gratitude practice, this episode is packed with perspective shifts that can change the way you cope, connect, and heal.

If you’ve ever thought “I know I should be grateful, but I just can’t right now,” this conversation is for you.

💎 Golden Episode Nuggets:

💡 Gratitude is most impactful in pain—not after it

💡 Saying “thank you” aloud triggers positive brain chemicals (dopamine + serotonin)

💡 You can’t feel anxious and grateful at the same time—gratitude interrupts worry

💡 Gratitude letters benefit your mood, even if you don’t send them

💡 Emotional pain always reveals a value—use that value to move forward

🔑 Key Moments:

• 3:30 – How a simple cup of coffee helped Peggy survive loss
• 7:15 – Why saying “thank you” aloud changes your brain chemistry
• 10:00 – The Reticular Activating System and how it filters what you notice
• 13:00 – The most important gratitude habit for improving mental health
• 18:00 – Gratitude letters: why they benefit the writer more than the recipient
• 20:00 – Using pain as a trigger to practice gratitude
• 24:30 – How gratitude can significantly improve your sleep
• 26:40 – The link between gratitude, resilience, and rewiring your brain

👩‍⚕️ About Our Guest:

Dr. Peggy DeLong is a licensed psychologist, speaker, author, and founder of the Feeling Good Institute. Known as “The Gratitude Psychologist,” she teaches people how to cultivate joy, emotional resilience, and well-being through the power of gratitude and positive psychology. Her programs, books, and workshops are designed to make science-backed tools feel simple and accessible for anyone—especially during difficult times.

Learn more at www.peggydelong.com

Follow her on Instagram: @drpeggydelong

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Peggy’s Book: Feel the Good
• Her Signature Program: The Gratitude Experience

🎯 Perfect for Listeners Who:

• Struggle with anxiety, grief, or overthinking
• Want to rewire their brain for peace and resilience
• Need a simple, powerful way to start a gratitude prac

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The information on this podcast or any platform affiliated with Top Self LLC, or the Top Self podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. No material associated with Top Self podcast is intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition or treatment and before taking on or performing any of the activities or suggestions discussed on the podcast or website.