The Power of Gratitude
- Heather Alice-Marie
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
A Simple Question That Changed Everything
I was at work one day when my colleague (and friend) came by and said,
“Heather, why is it that we always talk about the things that bother us? Why don’t we talk more about what we’re excited about? Why don't we talk more about the things that make us happy?”
I sat there for a moment, letting that question sink in. I replied, “Honestly, I don’t know. This is such a good question.”
That night, I went home and thought about it more. It was the beginning of my friendship with gratitude.
The 21-Day Experiment
I decided that for the next 21 days, I would make it a point to write down one thing that made me happy each day.
I was so excited about it.
At the end of the day, I’d sit down, reflect on what made me happy, and write it down.
You can read more about it on my 21 Day Happiness Challenge Blog Post
When Something Subtle Started to Shift
I looked forward to that moment. And at the end of the 21 days, I realized something powerful had happened.
I started to shift my thinking. Instead of running on autopilot, letting my inner mean girl swirl around all kinds of negative thoughts, I found myself noticing the positive things in my life, especially the small ones.
That 21-day experiment eventually became my way of life. And now, more than eight years later, this is what I’ve learned.
What Gratitude Taught Me
Gratitude is energy.
Gratitude is something you feel.
It’s something you embody and live each day.
It begins as a thought, moves into an emotion, and settles as a felt sensation in the body.
That felt experience is where gratitude becomes real.
When you feel gratitude, your energy shifts.
Your body softens.
Your breath changes.
There’s a sense of ease, openness, and excitement that moves through you.
That feeling is gratitude.
I’ve learned that when I pause, look around, and bring awareness to what’s already here, when I allow myself to actually feel appreciation in my body, this is gratitude in its truest form.
It’s like a snowball. The more I intentionally focus on the feeling of gratitude, the more familiar that energy becomes.
How Gratitude Changed My Days
The best part of this gratitude experiment is that over time, it completely changed how I experience my days.
I’m more present.
I feel lighter.
And most importantly, I’m no longer living on autopilot the way I once did.
If you’ve made it this far, my guess is that something here resonates with you.
Maybe you’ve noticed how loud your inner critic can be (and how often you listen).
Maybe you’ve heard about gratitude before but didn’t fully understand its power.
Gratitude is a simple practice, yet it has the ability to shift your energy and, over time, change the trajectory of your life.
One of my favorite ideas from the book The Secret is that you just need to tip the scale, even slightly, toward the positive. Gratitude does exactly that.
Something to Try
Let’s have a little fun with it.
Here are a few questions you can explore in your journal. Let the words flow, and most importantly, enjoy the process:
What did I enjoy most about yesterday?
What is one thing I feel grateful for right now?
What made me smile today?
If you feel called, I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one small thing that’s been bringing you a sense of gratitude lately? Feel free to share in the comments.
And if this post reminded you of someone in your life, a friend who could use a little more light or ease, pass it along to them.
Sometimes these reminders land exactly when they’re needed.
Written from the heart, Heather Alice-Marie
💌 P.S. This reflection practice is what inspired me to create my Uncage Your Life Gratitude & Happiness Journal — a simple space to slow down, reflect, and let gratitude be something you feel, not just think about.
If you’d like to explore this work in a more embodied way, you can also: → Try a free somatic audio session to calm your mind and reconnect with your body
And if staying connected feels right for you:
→ Join my email community, The Spark
You can also find me on Instagram @heatheralicemarie and on Substack 💛
Frequently Asked Questions About The Power of Gratitude
Q: What is gratitude?
A: Gratitude is an energy. It begins as a thought, moves into an emotion, and becomes a felt sensation in the body. When gratitude is felt—not just thought—it has the power to shift your internal state and how you experience your life.
Q: How do you practice gratitude daily?
A: Gratitude can be practiced by slowing down, noticing what’s already present, and allowing yourself to feel appreciation in your body. Some people write in a journal, some reflect quietly, and others pause throughout the day to connect with the feeling of gratitude.
Q: Why does gratitude feel so powerful?
A: Gratitude feels powerful because it creates a physical and emotional shift. When gratitude is felt, the body softens, the breath deepens, and your energy begins to change. That internal shift influences how you relate to your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Q: Can writing in a gratitude journal help?
A: Writing in a gratitude journal can help bring awareness to what you appreciate. The key is allowing yourself to feel the gratitude as you write, rather than rushing through the exercise. When feeling is present, the practice becomes more meaningful and impactful.
Q: How long does it take for gratitude to change your mindset?
A: Many people notice subtle shifts within days or weeks. Over time, consistently feeling gratitude can change how you experience your days, helping you feel more present, lighter, and less on autopilot.
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