Two words that changed my life

and shifted my perspective

Jun 08, 2025

white and black chess pieces — Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

“Thank you Lord for this day and for all my blessings…”

That is how I have been starting my day for more years than I can remember.

It’s a daily conversation I have with God and I find it very comforting.

There were days when I asked for help for myself and days when I recognized my blessings. There were times when I prayed specifically for people who were sick or in need of healing, physically or emotionally.

But no matter what I faced, I began with words of gratitude.

It seems so simple and yet I have found that facing each moment in your life, from the mundane or ordinary to those that are life-changing, can be more fulfilling if you acknowledge the blessings that already surround you.

And it begins with two words - thank you.

For me it includes thanking everything, and everyone, I encounter.

Objects such as my bed are among the first to hear my thanks (I learned this habit from author Louise Hay). Just think of all of the people in this world who do not have a bed to sleep in? Shouldn’t you be thankful for getting a good night’s sleep and why not state those words out loud when you get up in the morning?

I thank my car after returning me home safely from a trip. I thank my cat for being such an adventurous, loving pet. I thank my warm cup of coffee as I sip on it.

The more thankful you are, the better you feel.

Eventually your perspective shifts. You see the world, and the people you encounter, through a more positive lens.

Studies have shown that expressing thanks, especially out loud, releases neurochemicals in our brains, including serotonin and dopamine - the same chemicals found in anti-depressants. Those same chemicals help to literally make a person feel happier.

I’m not implying that these two words make all of your troubles go away. They don’t.

But gratitude and appreciation reminds us how we can turn obstacles into personal growth and move forward.

My challenge for you is to use those two words as much as you can this week and see what happens. I think you will notice a positive difference.

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Tranquil Moments…

I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:

This week’s Smile video…

A little boy walked into the darkness to get help for his great-grandmother. His mantra that night is now inspiring his family. Steve Hartman has the story "On the Road."

#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove

My favorite Substacks…

The Self Worth Journal newsletter explores topics on mindset, taking better care of ourselves, resilience, faith, finding opportunities for growth in life’s transitions and gratitude. It is written by Sheila Daisy. Check it out - you will love it!

What I am reading…

This week I listened to What’s So Funny: My Hilarious Life by Tim Conway.

Here is the Amazon summary: “In television history, few entertainers have captured as many hearts and made as many people laugh as Tim Conway. What’s So Funny? follows Tim’s journey from life as an only child raised by loving but outrageous parents, to his tour of duty in the army, to his ascent as a national star.

Conway’s often-improvised humor, razor-sharp timing, and hilarious characters have made him one of the funniest and most authentic performers to grace the stage and studio. As Carol Burnett, who also provides an intimate foreword to the book, has said, “there’s no one funnier” than Tim Conway.

What’s So Funny? shares hilarious accounts and never-before-shared stories of behind-the-scenes antics on McHale’s Navy and The Carol Burnett Show as well as his famous partnerships with entertainment greats like Harvey Korman, Don Knotts, and Dick Van Dyke; and his friendships with stars like Betty White and Bob Newhart.

Filled with warmth, humor, and heart, What’s So Funny will delight and inspire fans everywhere.”

This week’s TED Talk…

In this thought provoking talk, Tanmeet Sethi shares how the overlooked value of gratitude can have surprising health and medical benefits.

Mind/Body connections…

This 10 minute mindful meditation will give you the mental clarity and space necessary to ground yourself with beautiful focus and set your day on the perfect track for success and fulfillment.