Welcome back to "31 Days of Calming Tips." I'm Karin Del Maestro, your health and calmness coach, and a fellow breast cancer survivor. I'm so thrilled to have you here as we explore simple ways to find calm in this sometimes overwhelming world, especially after facing something as challenging as breast cancer.

Today, we're diving into the magic of gratitude journaling.

1. The Art of True Gratitude:

Gratitude isn't just about saying, "I'm grateful to be alive." It's about shifting our focus from negative, self-critical thoughts to positive ones. Even though we go through tough times, we can still be genuinely grateful for the small and big things in our lives. Gratitude allows us to acknowledge our feelings without invalidating them.

2. Scientific Backing:

Research from UCLA Health shows that practicing gratitude can reduce depression, alleviate anxiety, relieve stress, and improve sleep. These are all things that can be incredibly beneficial for breast cancer survivors who often face emotional and physical challenges post-treatment.

3. Finding Gratitude in Everyday Moments:

Gratitude is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in adversity, we discover new aspects of ourselves and grow stronger. It encourages us to cherish the support we receive from our loved ones and healthcare teams, and this sense of connection fosters hope for a brighter future.

**Calm Action of the Day:**

Your action for today is to start a gratitude journal. It can be as simple as jotting down three things you're grateful for every night before bed or in the morning – whatever works best for you. Make it a practice, and observe how it makes you feel. Don't hesitate to try it again if you've tried before and it didn't work. Remember, you're not the same person you were back then. Embrace curiosity and gratitude, and let them make a positive impact on your day and your journey.

Wishing you an amazing day filled with gratitude, my friend. See you soon! 🤗✨