Let's be real… It is not always easy to have a positive mindset when you have health issues. It’s really hard to see our own progress, too.

I can remember when every single day was a struggle! I couldn't keep my eyes open all day, I was scared to eat since I was constantly gaining weight, and my hair was falling out in clumps.

My thyroid was angry. And it was hard to feel like I was making any progress! 

What helped me? Gratitude.

I decided that being grateful for all other things in my life (including a healthy thyroid that I envisioned) was the best way to get what I wanted.

I reminded myself that I may not see the progress each day, that I may not feel it each day, but the progress was still happening.

Practicing gratitude helps improve our mental health by shifting our attention away from toxic emotions, such as resentment and envy. If you focus on what you’re grateful for, it can make it considerably harder to think about the negative experiences!

Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude on a regular basis.

1. Write a thank-you note. Make yourself happier and nurture your relationships by writing thank-you letters expressing your appreciation of that person. Whether it’s for a specific gesture they gave, or just for their presence in your life. Pop it in the mail as a little surprise, or deliver and read it in person. Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month. Once in a while, write one to yourself!

2. Thank someone mentally. No time to write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual.

3. Keep a gratitude journal. There are great journals and apps to help with this. I love using "The Freedom Journal" and the app on my phone called "Gratitude". You could start your morning or end your day with even just 5 minutes of writing, and this is a great way to build a daily habit.

4. Literally count your blessings. Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings — reflecting on what went right or what you are grateful for. Sometimes it helps to pick a number — such as three to five things — that you will identify each week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.

5. Pray. People who are religious can use prayer to cultivate gratitude. 

6. Meditate. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace" or “purpose”), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.).

Your body is an amazing machine! It hears you, it responds to your thoughts. Positivity and gratitude can make a huge difference in your healing journey.

So thank your body and get ready for some amazing things to happen!