In this heartfelt episode of Her Unshakeable Confidence, hosts Simone and Olivia Knego sit down with psychologist, speaker, and author Dr. Peggy DeLong to explore how gratitude can dramatically impact our mental health, relationships, and self-confidence.

Dr. Peggy shares her personal story of loss, resilience, and her powerful pivot from forensic psychology to becoming “The Gratitude Psychologist.” She reveals how simple daily gratitude practices—like writing letters or savoring small joys—can boost happiness, build emotional resilience, and even ease grief. Plus, she unpacks the surprising science behind gratitude, including research-backed ways it lifts mood and diminishes negativity.

Whether you're navigating life transitions, looking to strengthen your confidence, or simply seeking more joy, this episode offers practical tools and inspiration to help you tune into what really matters—starting with gratitude.

Actionable Takeaways

✅ Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it's an action. Writing a simple text or a heartfelt letter can improve mental health.

✅ You don’t need to practice gratitude daily to benefit. Even writing three gratitude letters over three weeks can boost mood for months.

✅ Confidence is born from alignment—when your values match your actions and desires.

✅ Courage comes before confidence. Do it scared, and confidence will follow.

✅ True confidence doesn’t mean ignoring others' opinions—it means caring without letting worry hold you back.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome and Introducing Dr. Peggy DeLong
06:40 – From Loss to Gratitude: Peggy’s Journey After Tragedy
12:00 – Why Gratitude Is a Daily Mental Health Superpower
19:25 – The Science Behind Gratitude Letters
27:00 – Real Stories: How Gratitude Deepens Connection
33:00 – Grief and Healing Through Handwritten Notes
36:50 – What Confidence Really Means (According to Peggy)
40:00 – Advice From Peggy’s Mother: Love Is Always the Right Answer
42:00 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Peggy

About Dr. Peggy DeLong

Known as “The Gratitude Psychologist,” Dr. Peggy DeLong helps people reconnect with joy, especially in difficult times, using gratitude, nature, and resilience-based practices. A former forensic psychologist, Peggy now writes, speaks, and designs mental health support bracelets that spread positivity and meaning. She is the author of Feel the Grief. Keep the Love. and leads programs that inspire emotional healing and confident living.

Connect with Dr. Peggy DeLong:

Website: drpeggydelong.com

Free Resource: The Grateful Day—5 daily exercises in under 5 minutes: drpeggydelong.com


Instagram: @the.gratitude.psychologist


Facebook: Dr. Peggy DeLong

LinkedIn: Peggy Doherty DeLong, Psy.D. 

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