The Significance of Gratitude

Dear Reader, 
I wrote Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive
People to offer empaths and highly sensitive people simple
exercises to boost their energy, open their hearts, and stay
centered. Self-care is essential for all sensitive people. When you
practice it mindfully and lovingly every day, your sensitivities will
flourish. The self-care practices I present as daily offerings in this
book will support you in being a compassionate empath without
trying to “fix others.” Below is an excerpt from the book on the
importance of gratitude.
—Judith Orloff, MD

This is a beautiful time of year to be grateful for your blessings. Gratitude is a
spiritual act. You are sending a message to loved ones, colleagues, the natural world,
and spirit that you are thankful for them.

Even if you perceive your life as lacking, just for today, humbly focus on your
blessings. Ask yourself, “What am I grateful for? My health? Physical mobility? Clarity of
mind? Or the capacity to love, despite all the challenges I’ve faced?” What about your
friends, family, and animal companions? Or your home, car, job, and healthy food?
Then inwardly declare, “I am grateful for my life. I am grateful for everyone who
loves me, and whom I love. I am grateful for the earth, the birds, the sky, and the
oceans.” Feel free to add to this list in any way that applies to you. In addition, you can
express your gratitude directly to others by saying, “Thank you for being in my life. You
have enhanced it more than you can know.” A simple expression of appreciation means
so much.

Also have gratitude and love for yourself: The way you move, the way you eat,
the way you look, the way you relate to others. It’s too easy to slip into self-criticism or
focus on a glass being half-empty. Recognize that temptation and choose to reject it in
favor of acknowledging blessings. Life is so amazing and beautiful. Seeing yourself and
others through the eyes of love and gratitude generates a sense of contentment with
yourself and others.
Today–and really, every day–is a sacred opportunity for thanksgiving.

Set this intention

I will focus on all I have to be grateful for and allow my heart to feel content and full. I
will be thankful for the love in my life.

Excerpt from “Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive People”
by Judith Orloff, MD