I walked through a heavy downpour with a smile on my face.
Not a smirk. Not a forced grin. A quiet, genuine smile.
Ask my family, relatives, or longtime friends — this isn’t typical. I’m not the always-happy type. I’ve weathered my share of storms, both literal and emotional. In truth, my life’s a mess in many ways right now. Yet somehow, I feel ready to face whatever comes.
Over the years, I’ve trained — and continue to train — my mindset. I’ve learned to regulate emotions, not suppress them. To pause before reacting. To seek light, even when the skies are gray.
One of the most powerful tools I’ve embraced is GRATITUDE.
I’m reminded of its strength often in church:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6–7, NIV
I also find reminders in unexpected places — like my social media feed. Influencers like Steve Harvey speak often about its transformative power. He encourages people to:
- Coat their minds with gratitude as mental armor
- Start each day with “thank you” instead of complaints
- Reflect on what they’ve survived, to reconnect with resilience
Gratitude shows up in the workplace too. Vanessa Van Edwards — behavioral investigator, bestselling author, and founder of Science of People — highlights the importance of emotional connection and psychological safety in teams. One of her practical tips: rotate simple, reflective questions in meetings, like:
- “What’s something fun you did over the weekend?”
- “What’s a small win you had recently?”
- “What’s something you learned that surprised you?”
They may seem light, but they open doors to deeper connection and shared positivity — something I’ve witnessed firsthand.
A perfect moment to share this came during an office event. In the Q&A portion of a panel, we were asked, “How do you start your day?”
It was a chance to reflect — not just on routines, but on rituals that shape mindset.
I shared a practice we’ve begun in our team: starting each check-in by sharing what we’re grateful for. It’s simple, yet powerful. It clears mental clutter, dissolves negativity, and sets the tone for a can-do mindset — essential in a fast-paced, competitive world like tech. One day you’re the trend, the next you’re obsolete. Speed and innovation are vital. Without mental armor and a strong support system, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.
Gratitude is a quiet weapon against negativity.
A daily discipline. A mindset muscle. A spiritual anchor.
You might ask — what am I grateful for?
That you read this far.
It means I shared something good today.
Now, how about you — yes, you reading this — what are you grateful for?
