Katie Wood was living what she thought was the picture perfect life... until a routine doctor's visit revealed a life-threatening family medical diagnosis. Faced with the emotional turmoil of this crisis, Katie quickly learned that how we respond in these challenging moments is … everything.

This led Katie to a realization: life is hard and filled with harsh realities, but starting the day grounded and with gratitude can change our entire perspective.

Using this guiding principle, she made it her mission to pay it forward. Katie shares with us the protocol she created in her best-selling book, A Simple Seed, to design the perfect gratitude-centered morning routine.

If you're looking to change the way you - and your family - start your day, this is the episode for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Hadley Wood reads from A Simple Seed.

[00:49] Jamie introduces Katie Wood and her gratitude journal.

[04:08] Katie begins to talk about her upbringing with entrepreneurial parents.

[07:39] Katie describes how her family came to be (meeting her husband, having four kids, work). 

[10:18] Katie recounts when all stability was disrupted by a routine ultrasound visit for her third child.

[13:01] Katie explains her third daughter’s medical diagnosis and the feelings she struggled with as a mother. 

[16:47] Katie talks about when she adopted the morning routine that would later be a tremendous tool in centering her mind.

[19:23] Katie speaks about her thoughts after Gabriella was out of surgery and what recovery was like.

[21:56] Katie recounts the start of her purpose coming alive during the pandemic. 

[24:33] Jamie and Katie discuss the contents of Katie’s gratitude journal, A Simple Seed. Katie’s daughter, Hadley reads a passage from the book. 

[26:45] Hadley explains why she wanted to learn about her mom’s morning routine and how it changed her life. 

[28:02] Katie talks about the benefits of practicing gratitude. 

[31:11] Katie speaks about the concept of A Simple Seed and refers to a young cancer patient whose perspective has drastically shifted as a result of using the journal regularly.  

[33:37] Katie describes the accountability we all must take in choosing to see gratitude amidst adversity. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[16:38] Katie states how crucial it is to find the good in what life throws at us despite our brain’s innate tendency to focus on the bad. 

[24:04] Katie talks about “picking your hard”: choosing the challenge of actualizing her vision rather than living with the regret of not trying. 

[30:11] Katie explains the difference a gratitude practice makes in kids who have one, referencing a study that quantifies the impact. 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Katie Wood for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Katie on Instagram @katiewood_simpleseed.

Check out more about Katie: 

https://katielwood.com/

To learn more about her gratitude journal: 

https://simpleseedjournal.com/

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Katie’s Bio: 

Katie Wood is a thought leader, entrepreneur, and influenceHER who inspires audiences through her popular Friday videos on Facebook Live. In 2014, she transitioned from a 10-year career in teaching special education to fully embracing entrepreneurial life.

Katie speaks frequently at training events, and is also developing several business ventures. Among her successes, Katie credits her most rewarding role as that of mom to the three beautiful daughters she’s raising with her husband, Stephen. You can catch her insights on her blog or say “hey, girl” on Facebook.

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