Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed and not confident in my capacity to ‘keep it together’, I find I naturally do two things:

1)  Allow myself to ‘let it all out’ privately and with a few close family and friends I trust and feel safe with; and not pretend to keep it all together.

It’s a bit of a ‘pity party’ phase — (which I admit lovingly!)

This phase doesn’t seem to last too long, especially if I surrender to it.
It seems to dissolve as long as I give it some breathing space and acknowledge it.

If, however, I resist the reality of my self-pity and anxiety, and pretend to be ok and pretend to be filled with gratitude when I’m genuinely not, it seems to persist.

2)  Shift to a deep sense and state of Gratitude. Accessing a genuine state and feeling of Gratitude has become easier for me over the years. I wonder if it is because I have been intentionally and regularly practicing it for so many years (via Gratitude journaling or simply reflecting on 5 things I’m grateful for each day).

So, when life situations feel unfair and I feel devastated, angry, impatient or frustrated (and not actually feeling very grateful for much) I find as long as I allow myself #1 as above for a few moments, I can then shift to Gratitude more easily.

This is a free 10 min video on Gratitude by Louie Schwartzberg that I’ve watched numerous times over the years that really helps me shift into the gratitude state….and it brings me comfort.

It starts out as a TED talk, but actually offers something quite different:
I realize what it really serves, for me, is a meditation on Gratitude, along with nurturing music, beautiful cinematography, and the words and voice of a monk and a little girl that is deeply touching and helps keep me present and fully grateful.

I hope each of you enjoy and embody it as well.

Another practice I’d like to offer you…

My Gratitude-themed movement and meditation class (for FREE!) I taught as part of my recent 20-class series Let’s Move, Breathe, Focus + Have Fun

Use the code JOY to access this 75 min practice for free.

Your free access expires on May 1, 2026.

 

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If you’d like to purchase all 20 classes from my full series, at any time:
Let’s Move, Breathe, Focus + Have Fun

The entire library of all 20 classes are now uploaded online and ready for you to own, download and practice at your convenience and pace!

 

This 20-class series includes:

– Each class is 75 minutes in length for a total of 25 hours of practices, created and guided by me

– Classes include a variety of mindful movements, breathing and awareness practices, and mindful meditative practices

– A comfortable mix of practices that are calming / relaxing and challenging / energizing

– Options and modifications offered

 

Enjoy the opportunity to experience and engage in healthy practices such as:

 

– nourishing movement
(balancing challenge with ease and joy)

– nourishing rest / restorative practices

– awareness practices

– breathing practices

– mindfulness meditation practices

– receiving guidance from me that promotes safety, self-compassion, gratitude, joy and confidence

– creating the time to be fully present with yourself

 

Purchase to own and download all 20 classes at $250
HERE
Use code JOY25 at checkout for 25% off

 

 

**The content in this article, including tips, practices and video links are not meant to diagnose, treat, or act as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider for clearance and guidance before following or participating in these activities.**