I never understood the power of gratitude until I hit rock bottom. In 2016, when my kidneys failed, I thought my life was over. Add to that my battle with undiagnosed Bipolar II and the weight of trying to be the perfect husband and father while facing eviction—twice. Gratitude wasn’t even in my vocabulary. Survival was.
But life has a funny way of teaching you lessons when you least expect it. It wasn’t until I started embracing gratitude—really embracing it—that my mental health began to shift. I’m not talking about just saying “thank you” when someone holds the door for you. I mean intentionally acknowledging the small wins, the little joys, and the people who stand by you when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff. Trust me, I know how real the struggle can be. It’s about finding light, even when the world feels pitch black. When I started my mornings by listing three things I was thankful for—whether it was my son Hezikyah’s smile, my wife’s unwavering support, or just the fact that I had another day to try again—something inside me shifted.
Science backs this up, too. Studies show that practicing gratitude reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving sleep and overall well-being. But you don’t need science to tell you what you can feel for yourself. Gratitude rewires your brain, giving you the tools to combat negative thoughts.
For me, gratitude became my anchor. It helped me show up as a better father, husband, and leader. It’s what drives me to share my journey online with my 60,000+ followers, openly discussing mental health as an African American man in a world that often tells us to suppress our emotions.
If you’re struggling, here are three tips to start practicing gratitude:
- Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day. They can be as simple as a good cup of coffee or a meaningful conversation.
- Express Your Gratitude to Others: Don’t keep it to yourself. Tell people you appreciate them. A quick text, call, or even a thank-you note can deepen your relationships.
- Focus on the Present: Practice mindfulness by appreciating what’s around you. Take a walk and notice the beauty in your surroundings or savor a moment of peace.
Gratitude didn’t fix everything for me, but it gave me the strength to keep going. And sometimes, that’s all we need—a reason to keep moving forward, one grateful moment at a time.
