The Power of Gratitude: How a Daily Practice Transformed my Life
- Rachel Howarth
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 25

In 2020, when life felt overwhelming and uncertain, I turned to gratitude as a lifeline. Back then, I was struggling with health anxiety, and the day-to-day pressures of caring for my family. I started a simple practice: writing down three things I was grateful for every morning. At first, it felt small—almost too small to matter, sometimes just a cup of tea, or a smile from one of the children. But day by day, it began to shift my mindset. Gratitude became my anchor, pulling me out of fear and helping me find moments of peace, even when everything else felt chaotic.
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a transformative practice. When you intentionally focus on what you’re thankful for, your mindset begins to shift. You start to notice more of the good in your life, which naturally attracts even more positivity.
Practising gratitude daily has been shown to:
• Improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.
• Boost resilience, making it easier to handle challenges.
• Strengthen relationships by fostering appreciation for others.
For me, it became a lifeline. Writing down three things I was grateful for each day helped me feel grounded, even on days when everything felt overwhelming.
How Gratitude Transformed My Life
When I began my gratitude practice, I didn’t realise how profoundly it would change me. Writing down three things I was grateful for each morning shifted my focus away from what I lacked to what I already had. Over time, this simple habit rewired my thinking.
In moments of struggle, I could find something to hold onto—a kind word from a friend, the warmth of my children’s laughter, or even just the comfort of my morning cup of tea. Gratitude reminded me that joy exists, even in the smallest moments.
This small practice became a powerful tool for shifting my perspective and building a life filled with more joy, presence, and peace.
Creating a Quiet Space for Gratitude
One thing that made all the difference was creating a quiet space for my gratitude practice. In a house full of children and endless to-do lists, this space became my sanctuary. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a small corner with a candle, a journal, and something meaningful to you can be enough.
If you would like to see more about how to create a space, see this post:
I love to do my gratitude journalling in a morning including a sunrise ritual, here’s my shopping list for your sunrise rituals:
Joining Gratitude Circles
While practising gratitude daily is powerful, doing it within a group amplifies its impact. That’s why I’m so passionate about hosting gratitude circles. These are sacred spaces to pause, reflect, and share gratitude with others.
This year, I’m aiming to create a gratitude circle, which I am sharing on my Instagram, you’re welcome to join in here:
When we come together and express gratitude collectively, we create a ripple effect. Hearing others share their blessings can inspire us to see our own lives in a new light. It also reminds us that even in our struggles, we’re not alone.
I’ll be running these circles regularly, so if you’re looking for a way to deepen your practice or connect with like-minded people, I’d love to have you join.
How to Start Your Own Gratitude Practice
If you’re new to gratitude, start small. Here’s how:
1. Set Aside Time: Whether it’s first thing in the morning or before bed, carve out a few minutes for gratitude.
2. Write It Down: List three things you’re thankful for each day. Be specific—details make it more meaningful.
3. Keep It Simple: It doesn’t have to be profound. Some days, it might be as small as a friendly smile from a stranger, or a deep breath.
4. Make It a Ritual: Create a quiet, cosy space for your practice. A candle, a journal, or a favourite chair can make it feel special.
Gratitude as a Lifelong Practice
Gratitude is more than a habit—it’s a way of life. It’s taught me to embrace the present moment, to see beauty in the small things, and to find light even in dark times.
If you’re ready to start your own gratitude journey, know that it doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters is showing up, even on the days when it feels hard. And if you’d like to explore this practice in a supportive community, keep an eye out for my gratitude circles—I’d love to welcome you.
Gratitude changed my life, and I truly believe it can change yours too.
Gratitude as a Tool for Manifesting
Gratitude is more than just a feel-good habit; it’s a powerful tool for manifesting. When you focus on what you’re thankful for, you’re sending a signal to the universe that you’re ready to receive more of that energy.
The first quarter moon is perfect for amplifying this manifesting power. By expressing gratitude for what you have and what you’re calling in, you align yourself with the energy of growth and abundance.
The last quarter moon, on the other hand, helps you release what might be blocking your manifestations. Gratitude during this phase helps you see challenges as lessons and clears your path for what’s next.
This January, I invite you to try this practice for yourself. You might just find that everything begins to shift.
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