Hey there, friend. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here with me today. You know, we're right in the thick of December, and I'm guessing your mind might be doing that thing where it's bouncing between a hundred different things at once. Holiday stress, year-end deadlines, the pressure to feel a certain way about it all. But here's the thing: you showed up today, and that's already a win. So let's take this time together to find what's actually good about right now.

Let's start by getting comfortable wherever you are. You don't need to sit in any special way. Just find a position where your body feels like it can settle. Maybe uncross your legs, let your shoulders drop away from your ears. Good. Now, take one really deep breath in through your nose, feeling that cool air, and slowly release it. Again. One more time. And notice how your body is already shifting. That's the magic we're going to work with today.

Now I want you to think about three things right now, in this moment, that you might normally overlook. I'm not talking about the big stuff. I mean the small, ordinary things. Maybe it's the fact that your eyes are working right now, letting you see light and color. Maybe it's that you have a place to sit, or a beverage nearby, or someone who sent you a text today. Maybe it's just that this breath happened without you having to think about it.

Take your time with each one. Let yourself really feel it, not just think it. Notice where you feel gratitude in your body. Is it warmth in your chest? A softness in your face? Just notice without judging.

Here's the secret nobody tells you: gratitude isn't about forcing positivity or ignoring hard things. It's about training your brain to see what's actually there alongside the struggle. And when you do this regularly, you start moving through your days with softer eyes. Things hurt less. You're less lonely.

So here's your practice for today: pick one small thing each time you transition between activities. Moving from your desk to lunch? One thing. Heading to bed? One thing. Just one. Keep it real and specific. Your body will thank you.

Thank you so much for spending this time with me. I hope you're feeling a little lighter. Please subscribe to Gratitude Practice: Daily Mindfulness Reflections for Happiness so you don't miss tomorrow's reflection. You deserve this. Take care.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI