“The struggle ends when gratitude begins.” - Neale Donald Walsch

The Power of Gratitude: A Practical Approach to Overcoming Fear

Gratitude is a term we hear often, but it’s easy for it to become just another buzzword. One of the most common suggestions is to keep a gratitude journal. While journaling can be a great start, today I want to take it further—let’s look at how you can make gratitude work for you in a meaningful, practical way instead of it just being a fleeting practice that fades into the background.

What Happens When Fear Takes the Wheel?

We’ve all been there: overwhelmed by the fear of losing everything we’ve worked so hard for. That fear can be all-consuming, making us feel like the world is caving in. I’ve felt it myself—those moments when it seems like everything is slipping through our fingers, and we’re stuck in an endless loop of anxiety. If someone were to tell you, "What you need right now is gratitude," you might not be in the mood to listen. Instead, you might want to throw a few choice words their way.

Here’s the thing, though: focusing on the fear alone isn’t helpful. Take, for example, someone whose business is struggling, and they’re facing the prospect of losing everything—business, home, car, livelihood. Fear of losing these things is only natural. But here’s the truth we often avoid: we're all going to lose everything one day, whether it’s now or at the end of our lives. Everything in life is temporary, and that’s okay.

The Wisdom of Impermanence

It’s this impermanence that makes every moment so precious. Life is constantly changing, and it’s those fleeting moments that give us the opportunity to truly appreciate what we have. Think about the excitement of owning something new—a car, a phone, or any item that sparks joy. Over time, that excitement fades, and the novelty wears off. Similarly, nothing lasts forever, whether it’s material possessions, positions of power, or even relationships. It’s the fear of losing things that can paralyze us. But by recognizing the impermanence of everything, we can focus on appreciating what we have right now, and in turn, gain more clarity in our lives.

How Gratitude Can Clear the Fog of Fear

This is where gratitude comes in. It’s nearly impossible to feel fear when you’re genuinely feeling gratitude. Gratitude shifts your mindset and creates space for you to focus on what’s good in your life. A simple way to get started is by keeping a gratitude journal. Sure, it’s a good tool for getting you to reflect on what’s positive, but there’s more to it. Let’s imagine someone worried about losing their home due to a downturn in their business. If they fixate on the fear of loss, it can feel overwhelming. All they see is a bleak future. But when they take a step back and acknowledge the problem, while also focusing on what they still have—like a roof over their head, food to cook, a comfortable space to relax in, or the simple joy of walking barefoot in their garden—they create space for their mind to calm down. Gratitude shifts the focus from fear to appreciation, and suddenly, the problem doesn’t seem as daunting.

Going Beyond the Journal: Gratitude in Action

Journaling can be helpful for small worries, but when the fear is stronger, we may need more than just written words. Sometimes, we need a tangible experience—something real and physical. Whether it’s feeling the grass beneath your feet, sitting in a cozy chair, or being fully present in the moment, physical reminders of what’s good in your life can have a powerful effect.

Finding Your Unique Gratitude Practice

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to gratitude. Some might prefer journaling, while others might turn to meditation or simply being present. The key is finding what resonates with you. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring your challenges. It’s a tool that helps you gain the mental clarity to face your challenges head-on and overcome them. Whatever method works for you, remember: You’ve got this!

The Health Benefits of Gratitude

When your mind finds peace, your body often responds in kind. From a chiropractic perspective, stress and emotional tension can have a big impact on how your body functions, particularly how your nervous system regulates itself. While chiropractic care doesn’t directly treat stress or anxiety, many people find that by feeling more grounded and present in their bodies, they experience greater overall wellbeing. Practicing gratitude can help you shift out of a constant state of stress and improve your body’s ability to function at its best. If you’re already receiving chiropractic care, gratitude can be a powerful complement to your health routine, helping you achieve balance both physically and emotionally.