Thursday Thoughts... Focus On The Good

This past Sunday was one of those days that just felt right. The weather was perfect, 65 degrees, sunny, and no wind. I started my morning eating family breakfast of the protein pancakes that Michelle makes every Sunday morning. Then at church, time spent worshiping, taking communion, and watching baptisms. Later, I played a round of golf with my daughter, we had family card games, Michelle made homemade chicken noodle soup, and to top it all off, I sat in the hot tub with Michelle watching a beautiful sunset. It was simple, and it was awesome.

Now, was everything perfect? Nope. My son was down with the flu, and Michelle was just getting over it. But here’s the thing, if I focused only on what wasn’t perfect, I’d have missed all the good stuff. It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s wrong, the stress, the things that don’t go as planned, the curveballs life throws our way. But if we’re not careful, we let that take over and completely miss the moments that make life great. The reality is, life will always have its ups and downs, but we get to choose what we focus on. And when we choose gratitude, everything shifts.

A Thankful Mindset Changes Everything

We’ve all had days where nothing seems to go right. The alarm doesn’t go off, the coffee spills, traffic makes us late, and by the time we sit down to work, we’re already frustrated. And then there are the bigger challenges, the unexpected setbacks, the tough conversations, the losses we didn’t see coming. Those moments are real, and they can be tough to deal with. But here’s the thing: gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. It means making a conscious decision to not let the hard stuff take over.

Being thankful is powerful. It shifts our mindset, gives us perspective, and helps us see the bigger picture. It’s about appreciating what’s here instead of obsessing over what’s missing. It’s about recognizing the small wins, the everyday joys, the simple moments that make life special. My favorite part is that gratitude spreads. When you choose to focus on the good, the people around you start doing it too. A grateful heart creates joy, and joy is contagious. The more we practice it, the more it becomes a habit, and that habit changes everything.

That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge…

Take a few moments this week to focus on the good. Even if things aren’t perfect, because let’s be honest, they rarely are, find something to be thankful for. Maybe it’s a great conversation, a delicious meal, time with family, or just the fact that you made it through another day. Write it down, say it out loud, or share it with someone. Maybe even go a step further. Every morning, jot down three things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be big. Maybe it’s a warm cup of coffee, a text from a friend, or the fact that you woke up healthy. Small things add up, and before you know it, you’ll start seeing the world through a lens of appreciation.

I’m thankful you took the time to read this, for choosing to work, and for being part of what makes this world amazing.

If this week’s Thursday Thoughts resonated with you, I’d love to hear what you’re grateful for. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or tag someone who brings joy into your life. Let’s spread some gratitude!