A Heart of Gratitude: Why Thankfulness Matters in Motherhood (Especially This Week)

Thanksgiving week always brings a different kind of pause—one that feels a little tender, a little reflective, and honestly… a little needed. As moms, we spend so much time pouring, planning, preparing, and giving that sometimes we forget how to slow down long enough to actually feel grateful. Not because we aren’t thankful, but because life can get so loud that the good gets buried under the noise.

But over the years—both as a therapist and a mom of three—I’ve learned something important: my brain will believe whatever I tell it.
And gratitude changes what the brain hears.

Why Gratitude Matters More Than We Realize

Most nights before bed, I take a few quiet minutes and write down five things I’m grateful for. Some days it flows easily—little victories, sweet moments, answered prayers. Other days… whew. I stare at the page thinking, “Lord, today was a lot.”

But even on the hardest days, I write something down. Even if it’s as simple as:

• “I woke up this morning.”

• “I had the strength to keep going.”

• “God helped me not lose it today.”

• “My child tried their best.”

• “My husband and I found a moment of peace.”

Why? Because gratefulness shifts the atmosphere of our minds.

I once had a supervisor tell me something I never forgot: “Talk about what you want to see more of.”

Our brains are wired for survival, not positivity. That means negativity sticks like Velcro… and gratitude slides off like glass.
So the more we talk about problems, the more our minds rehearse them.
But when we intentionally speak what is good—no matter how small—we start teaching our brains what to look for.

And neuroscience actually backs this up. Neuroplasticity teaches us that the brain literally rebuilds itself when we practice gratitude. New connections form. Old cycles weaken. Hope gets rewired into the places fear used to live.

Isn’t that beautiful? Science finally catching up to Scripture.

Gratitude Through a Biblical Lens

Philippians 4:6–7 tells us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds.”

God ties thankfulness to peace on purpose.

Because thankfulness isn’t pretending everything is perfect. It’s acknowledging that God is still present. Still faithful. Still working.

Gratitude doesn’t deny reality—it declares God’s truth in the middle of it.

As moms, we need that peace. We crave that peace. We were created to live in that peace. And one of the quickest pathways to that peace is gratitude.

Motherhood & Gratefulness: Why It Matters Even More for Us Moms

Let’s be honest—motherhood can be beautiful and brutal at the same time.

Some days you’re soaking up snuggles.
Some days you’re hiding in your car for five minutes of silence.
Some days you’re laughing.
Some days you’re crying before 8 AM.
Some days you feel connected.
Some days you feel like you’re failing at everything.

And you know what? God is present in all of it.

But when our thoughts get overwhelmed, anxious, or discouraged, our brains start looking for more of what matches the mood. It becomes easy to see only:

• what your child didn’t do

• where you feel behind

• the mistake you made

• the mess in your home

• the things that aren’t working

• the prayers that feel unanswered

Gratitude breaks that cycle.

It reminds your mind—and your heart—that goodness still exists right in the middle of chaos. It re-centers you on what God is doing, not just what you’re praying He would fix.

Gratitude strengthens your emotional resilience.
It builds patience.
It helps you respond instead of react.
It softens your heart toward your children, your spouse, and even yourself.

It makes space for joy again.

Real Talk: Some Days Gratitude Is a Choice, Not a Feeling

Let me be transparent: There are days I do not feel grateful.
I’m tired.
I’m overwhelmed.
I’m stretched thin.
I’m wondering if I’m getting this parenting thing right.

But gratitude isn’t about perfection. It’s about posture. And on the days where gratitude feels hard, I tell myself:

“Karen, you got to FAITH IT! Think about the truth of God’s word.”

Because if I don’t tell my brain the truth, my emotions will start preaching lies.

So even when it's hard, I write down the five things.
Even when the day was long, I pick something good.
Even when motherhood feels heavy, I whisper, “Thank You, Lord.”

Because gratitude isn’t the result of a perfect day—it’s a decision that shapes the next day.

This Thanksgiving Week: A Challenge Just for You, Mom

Whether this season feels like one of the best or one of the hardest…
Whether you feel full of joy or stretched beyond your limits…
Whether motherhood feels peaceful or overwhelming…

I want to challenge you to do one thing: Choose five things to be grateful for each day this week.

Write them. Speak them. Pray them. Whisper them if you have to.

Some days your list may be long and easy.
Some days it may feel like pulling teeth.
Both are OK. Both count. Both change the brain. Both invite God close.

And as you do, watch what happens. I wonder if:

• Your heart softens.

• Your anxiety loosens its grip.

• Your perspective shifts.

• Your joy returns.

• Your faith strengthens.

• Your motherhood moments feel lighter.

• You start noticing what God is doing right now.

Because gratitude doesn’t just change your day—it changes you.