How Gratitude Shapes My Day

Gratitude isn’t just a practice for me anymore; it’s a mindset, a way of seeing the world.

It didn’t happen overnight, but through consistent effort, I’ve trained myself to find the beauty in the ordinary and the extraordinary.

To give you a glimpse of how my gratitude mind works, here’s a small snapshot of my thoughts as I reflect on my day:

The Comfort of Home

As I lay down in my bed, the first wave of gratitude washes over me.

My bed is amazing, not just because it’s comfortable but because it came with the house. I didn’t even buy it! The mattress,
bedding, and even the pillows are perfect, which is a rare luxury in Bali.

And, speaking of pillows, I’m endlessly grateful for the ones I brought from the Netherlands.
They’ve traveled everywhere with me.

My gratitude extends beyond the bed to my entire bedroom. I adore it.

And my house? It’s a dream come true. I know not everyone has a house, and yet here I am with a beautiful, leak-free home. A real living room (a rarity in Bali), three good-sized bedrooms, a lush garden, a shower with hot water, and a kitchen to my hight and needs we creatively built in the storage room.

The location is perfect, quiet, with no close neighbors, but not isolated.

I look around and think,

How did I get so blessed?

The People Who Make Life Richer

My children are a constant source of gratitude. They are kind, honest, active, helpful, and open-minded. I’m proud of the people they’ve become and treasure the deep bond we share.

My son lives nearby and has been a pillar of support, helping me turn this house into a home. My youngest daughter lives with me, and my eldest, though far away, stays connected with regular calls. I know how rare this closeness is, and I cherish it.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the amazing partners my kids have chosen. They are wonderful additions to our family.

Casper - Merel - Rose - Me - Nick (holding Shoyu) - Rosi

Then there are my friends, scattered across Bali, the Netherlands, and other parts of the world. Whether we talk often or rarely, I know we hold space for each other in our hearts.

And my relatives? Every relationship is intact and healthy, even with the distance. I realize how rare this is and treasure it deeply.

Gratitude isn’t just about external blessings, it’s also about embracing the body we live in.

For years, I struggled to feel grateful for my body. I would cringe when people asked if I was pregnant, especially since my youngest is now 16! But over time, I reframed these moments. Instead of feeling hurt, I began to see it as a compliment.

They think I look young enough to still have babies!

When it comes to gratitude for the body, I think about how often we take it for granted. Maybe you’re not thrilled with how your feet look. But imagine, for a moment, if you didn’t have feet, how grateful would you be just to have them?

Our bodies do so much for us every day, often without us even noticing. They carry us through life, help us hug our loved ones, dance to our favorite music, and move through the world.

This shift in perspective has made all the difference.

The Little Joys

I’m grateful for my five cats (yes, five, I am officially a cat-lady), healthy, loving, and endlessly entertaining. They bring me so much joy.

I’m grateful for the food I cook and the endless inspiration I find in recipes.

My fridge is always full, and I never take that for granted, knowing how many people in the world don’t have that privilege.

I’m even grateful for my bike. It’s safe, strong, and brings me freedom. Riding in Bali traffic might seem daunting to some, but I feel comfortable and at peace on the road.

Unexpected Blessings

Life has a way of aligning perfectly when you’re open to gratitude.

Just when I need something, it shows up.

Whether it’s the Golden Drops showing up a week before a friend was coming to Bali and could bring them for me or finding the perfect laundry service the same day my washing machine broke, I know I’m supported by the Universe.

I’m grateful for my son teaching me how to edit videos, I love creating reels now.

I’m grateful for the courses that come into my life exactly when I need them.

And I’m grateful for the steady flow of money,

sometimes arriving from unexpected sources.

The Power of Gratitude

When you let gratitude guide your thoughts, life feels abundant, even in its simplest moments.

Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about seeing perfection in the imperfect and abundance in the little things.

It’s about looking at life with open eyes and an open heart.

If you’re new to this practice, start small. Write down just one thing you’re grateful for each day.

Trust me, over time, your focus will shift, and you’ll notice blessings you once overlooked. Gratitude will become second nature, just like it has for me.