Don’t Wait for November: Gratitude Is a Daily Practice (Especially When Life Is Messy)
"Even in the mess, I find my moments of magic." - Cynthia Prato
If you only take away one thing from this post, let it be this:
Gratitude isn't seasonal. It's survival.
Why Gratitude Feels Hard (But Still Matters)
Smiling Latina life coach holding a cafecito outdoors, wearing a beaded necklace and headband, with a vibrant tattoo visible—capturing a moment of joy and reflection during her daily gratitude ritual.
Let’s be honest: 2025 has been doing the most. If you’re like me: juggling deadlines, navigating healthcare rollercoasters, and praying for a peaceful holiday season with minimal drama, you might be wondering:
How am I supposed to be grateful when I’m just trying to survive?
Here’s the truth: Gratitude isn’t about bypassing pain. It’s about anchoring inside it.
It’s not toxic positivity. It’s radical presence. It’s how we root ourselves when everything around us feels shaky.
My Real-Life Gratitude Moments (Messy and All)
Let me get real with you:
I ended up in the ER after a "routine" colonoscopy. Scared, vulnerable, but so thankful for the VA medical staff, my Miami-based tío checking in, my besties, and my little family at home.
I missed my abuela deeply. But her spirit came alive in a group chat full of memes and cariño.
Family tension left me emotionally fried. Still, I had my husband, son, and besties to lean on.
And then there was the moment Paul and I finally said the hard thing: we were pretending everything was fine when it wasn’t.
We talked. We didn’t blame. We got honest.
And in that truth-telling? I found something sacred: connection, support, and a commitment to keep showing up.
Marriage counseling through our ERG benefits? Game-changer. After 18 years together, 13 years married, we’re not giving up. That alone is reason enough to give thanks.
My Evening Gratitude Ritual (aka My Daily Lullaby)
Every night before bed, I whisper a list. Sometimes in my head, sometimes out loud. Things like:
Aiden made me laugh until I snorted.
Paul brought me a surprise cafecito.
I unfollowed a draining account and reclaimed my peace.
In the morning? I start with three tiny thank-yous. Even if one is just "quiet."
It took practice. It took time. But now, gratitude is my brain’s default lens.
Try This: 7-Day Micro Gratitude Challenge
Cute green cartoon frog giving a peace sign with the phrase “Sana Sana Culito de Rana” above its head, referencing a popular Spanish healing rhyme. Perfect for illustrating emotional self-soothing and gratitude practices.
No journal? No problem. You can do this in your head, in the notes app, or voice memos.
Start each morning with 3 small things.
End each night with a mini mental gratitude list.
Write down ONE thing that surprised you in a good way.
Text a friend something you appreciate about them.
Thank yourself for something you did well.
List one thing that made you laugh.
Re-read all 7 at the end of the week.
🧴 Pro Tip: Gratitude is the Vicks VapoRub of emotional healing. El sana sana culito de rana.
When Gratitude Feels Impossible
Some days, even whispering "thank you" feels like too much. That’s okay.
Maybe you’re grieving. (I still ache for my abuela’s wisdom.)
Maybe your family feels like a minefield.
Maybe you’re done pretending you’re okay.
If that’s where you are? Skip the list. Put your hand on your heart.
Whisper one thing you hope to be grateful for soon. That’s enough.
Wrap-Up: Gratitude Is a Lifeline, Not a Luxury
Flat lay of a desk featuring an orange retro keyboard and a digital affirmation that reads: “I don’t wait for gratitude, I practice it daily,” designed for a Monday mindset reset.
You don’t need a perfect life to feel grateful. You just need a breath and a heartbeat.
Journal Prompt: "What small thing made me smile today, even for a second?"
And if this post made you feel less alone, forward it to your jefa circle.
Because joy is contagious. And so is healing.
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Beyond the Horizon Consulting newsletter invitation. Smiling author Cynthia Prato with text: ‘Now that you’re here, welcome to the party. Grab your cafecito and let’s show up messy, imperfect, and uniquely you.’ Newsletter preview highlights: Perfect isn’t relatable, perfect isn’t sustainable, and perfect will
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📌 Quick Note (Because We Keep It Real Here)
I’m not a therapist, psychologist, or doctor — and I don’t pretend to be. Everything I share is rooted in my lived experience. Please consult a licensed professional for personalized support.
If you're in crisis, call 911 or contact the 988 Lifeline. You're not alone. Real help exists, and you deserve it.
