Sandy Esprit

I don’t know about you, but I often catch myself dreaming about what’s next—what I want to do, where I want to be, or what I need to achieve. But lately, I’ve been reminding myself to pause, take a deep breath, and just look around. The truth is, I’m living in moments I once prayed for, and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.

Have you ever thought about it? How the life you’re living right now holds pieces of those quiet prayers you whispered when no one else was listening? That realization alone can change everything.

Recognizing the Blessings

When I think back to times when life felt uncertain, it’s humbling to see how things have unfolded. At one point, I prayed for the confidence to homeschool my kids, for clarity in navigating my career, or for peace during seasons of chaos. And while things didn’t always happen the way I envisioned (spoiler: they rarely do), I’m here now, standing in answered prayers.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, to always be looking at the next goal or the next step. But when I stop and reflect, I realize how much I already have to be thankful for—things I once thought might be out of reach.

The Heart Shift

Gratitude has this beautiful way of shifting your perspective. It doesn’t magically make life perfect, but it makes the imperfections easier to handle. Gratitude is like this grounding force that reminds me to take stock of what’s good instead of getting stuck on what’s not.

For me, living with gratitude means appreciating the small joys as much as the big wins. It’s those everyday moments: hearing my kids laugh together, having a quiet moment to myself (rare, but it happens!), or finishing a task I’ve been putting off for too long.

How I Practice Gratitude

I’ll be honest—life is busy, and practicing gratitude doesn’t always come naturally. But over time, I’ve found a few ways that help me keep my heart in the right place:

1. Reflect on What’s Good
   I don’t always write it down, but I try to pause and think about three things I’m thankful for every day. Some days, it’s big things like family or health; other days, it’s as simple as good hair or finding a snack I forgot I had.
2. Look Back on the Journey
   When I’m feeling stuck, I think about where I was a year ago or five years ago. The growth, the lessons, and the blessings that have come along the way remind me just how far I’ve come.
3. Celebrate the Little Things
   Not everything has to be a major milestone. Did I get the kids to bed on time? Win. Did I finally try that new recipe without burning it? Win. Did I remember to drink enough water today? Okay, maybe not, but I’ll get there.
4. Say It Out Loud
   Whether it’s telling someone thank you, giving my kids extra hugs, or just saying a quick prayer of thanks, expressing gratitude out loud makes it more real.

Living in Gratitude

Living in answered prayers doesn’t mean everything is perfect—it’s not, and that’s okay. It just means I’m choosing to see the beauty in where I am while staying hopeful for what’s ahead. Gratitude keeps me grounded, and honestly, it’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

So, what about you? Have you stopped to think about the prayers you’ve already seen answered? The moments you once hoped for but are now part of your everyday life? Take a second, breathe it in, and know that you are already so blessed.

And as for me? I’ll keep trying to live in gratitude, one moment at a time, because when I focus on the good, I realize just how much there is to be thankful for.