Episode 73: Good, Great, and Gratitude

Welcome back to To Help You Heal! I'm Marie Monville, and if you're listening in real-time, it's November—the month we often think about gratitude. Over the years, I've tried to make gratitude a lasting practice, something meaningful that goes beyond Thanksgiving, but I'll admit, it hasn't always clicked. I realized that the problem wasn't gratitude itself but how I approached it. So, this month, I'm challenging myself to experience gratitude in a more intentional way. Instead of just listing what I'm thankful for, I've decided to use a framework inspired by a prayer I remember from childhood: God is great and good. I start each morning by asking myself three questions:  What is good? What is great? And how do these things inspire gratitude in me?  I'm using my morning dog walk as my dedicated time, making space to reflect even when it feels challenging. Gratitude isn't about perfection or getting it right every day. It's about consistency, embracing growth, and finding meaning. I've discovered that even on days that feel messy when I keep coming back to what's good and what's great, I'm creating a life rooted in gratitude—and that's what I want to continue. I encourage you to join me in this journey, whether with this challenge or another method. Research backs up some ways gratitude can transform us: It reduces stress, improves sleep, strengthens our resilience, and even boosts our relationships with God and others. You might notice better connections, more positive self-talk, and a stronger ability to see God's hand in your life. If you'd like to try this, think about how you can incorporate gratitude into something you already do, set a reminder on your phone, write prompts on your mirror, or keep a small gratitude journal. Whatever you choose, aim for consistency over perfection. Next week, we'll focus on the sweetness that can grow from challenging seasons and how gratitude becomes even more meaningful when things aren't easy. So come back and join me as we continue this journey.