Jane Witherspoon is a Canadian expat, adventurous spirit, and dedicated yoga instructor who now calls Dénia, Spain home. A passionate Rambler at heart, she embraces the richness of life in her new Mediterranean lifestyle.
In a fast-paced world that often demands too much, it's easy to lose sight of what we're missing or how things could be better. But imagine if the true transformation we seek comes not from chasing more, but from recognizing and appreciating what we already have.
Gratitude is a simple yet profound practice that has the power to reconnect us to the present and remind us of the abundance that is already present in our lives. It is an intentional mindset - a way of seeing the world through a lens of appreciation. When we practice gratitude regularly, we cultivate a sense of fullness, joy, and an overall sense of well-being.
There have been many times in my life when everything felt like a blur— a sense that life was merely monotonous. I was doing all the "right" things: checking off tasks, showing up, and staying afloat. But I realized something essential felt missing. I wasn't unhappy; I just wasn't truly present. It felt like life was happening around me.
During midlife—a time of significant changes in both my body and my life—I made a conscious decision to slow down. I gave myself the space to reflect on who I truly wanted to become and what needed to change in order to grow into that version of myself.
Through my yoga practice, I embraced mindfulness and began connecting more deeply with the inner turmoil and long-held negative habits that had shaped me. By truly listening to my inner voice, I discovered a sense of gratitude for the beauty life was offering me.
Gratitude, for me, is now less a habit and more a home I return to when I feel I am losing my way, and I lose my way often. I forget. I complain. I sink into anxiety or drift into autopilot. But more and more, I’ve learned to pause and ask: What is still good? What am I receiving right now that makes my life fuller?
How to Cultivate Gratitude: Simple Practices
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Keep a Gratitude Journal
Take a few minutes each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for. They can be small: a beautiful sunrise, connecting with a friend, moving your body. Over time, this rewires your brain to look for the good. -
Pause and Name It
When something brings you joy, pause, say to yourself, “This is good. I’m grateful for this moment.” Naming it helps you fully experience it. -
Gratitude Walks
Take a walk with the intention of truly noticing your surroundings—the breeze on your skin, the sound of birdsong, the beauty around you, and the steady rhythm of your steps. Gratitude lives in these moments of presence. -
Practice Gratitude in Challenging Times
Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. Instead, ask yourself: What is this teaching me? Or is there anything I can still be thankful for, even now? This mindset takes time to develop, but it fosters resilience and emotional depth
Gratitude, when practiced consistently, shifts not only how we see the world but how we show up in it. It softens our edges. We become more patient, more generous, and more understanding of others' joys and struggles. Gratitude connects us — to ourselves, to others, and to life itself.
And so, my Sole Sisters, as you ramble out into your week, remember you don’t need to overhaul your life. Start with one small act today. Gratitude is not a destination — it’s a daily invitation. And the more we accept it, the more it changes us from the inside out.
Gratitude helps you to grow and expand;
Gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life
and into the lives of those around you. Eilene Caddy
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