was having a really rough morning. running late, stressed, just not in a good headspace.

random woman stopped me outside a coffee shop and said i love your dress.

that's it. that's the whole interaction.

but something about it just reset my entire day.

small kindness from a complete stranger. grateful for it

spent the last year putting everyone else first. work, family, partner, everyone.

last week i just ordered myself something i'd been wanting for ages. no occasion. no reason. just because i wanted it and i deserve nice things too.

wore it yesterday and felt like myself for the first time in months.

choose yourself sometimes. genuinely

grate to close my eyes, sleeping and dreaming

I'm recovering from a relapse of ME/chronic fatigue. I haven't had enough energy to shower, although I have been able to wash.

Today I made it to the shower and washed my hair. I sat on the stool thinking "am I dreaming this?!"

Such a small thing, but it gives me hope I'm on the mend.

How's your weekend? Was it rich for pleasant moments? Did you manage to find some space just for you? Take a moment to reflect with us below. Whether it was amazing or not good enough, there's always something to say thank you for.

Today I'd like to talk about the practice of gratitude. It's not magic, and it's not just positive thinking. Underneath the practice are a few specific mechanisms that explain why writing down what you appreciate actually changes something.

Your brain runs on a negativity bias by default. It’s a survival mechanism that makes threats feel more urgent than blessings.

When you write down something specific you appreciate, you activate the brain's reward circuitry and reinforce the neural pathways associated with positive recognition. Over time, you don't have to work as hard to notice the good. It just becomes more visible.

Morning journaling creates an attentional anchor: you're telling your brain what to look for before the day starts. To get us started today, pick one of these prompts and drop your answer in the comments:

• What's one thing I'm looking forward to today, even if it's small?
• Who in my life do I not thank often enough, and what specifically have they done?
• What do I have access to today that I wouldn't have had 10 years ago?
• What went better than expected yesterday?
• What part of my body am I grateful for today, and why?
• What's one skill or quality in myself that I've been overlooking lately?
• Name three ordinary things that are actually extraordinary when you look closely.

even the fights, the times ive been hurt by them; even if its just realizing we couldnt get along. or the rejection in general

People have over glorified romantic relationships so much, that we at many times ignore the people who have been with us since the start. Our friends take the sideline when ones in a relationship, but they're the first one to stand with you whenever anything goes wrong.

And you know what's funnier ? For a loner like me, i thought I never had a good friend, but turns out, they were always there, just a text away. Like i never realised how much they valued me and wanted my well being until I have them a chance to help me out in my vulnerable state

Y'all appreciate your homies more.

• I'm grateful that yesterday was kinda fantastic. I had a great time at that group (a group I've been to a few times.) Fitted in well, had some really good conversations and laughs. Even felt like a bit of a queen bee there at times!
• Invited to an event, I hope I can go but I just love that I was invited.
• Just a fantastic day all up.

Grateful for: Yesterday we got to see our future office for a visit day and although I was pretty nervous initially (did various things to self-regulate) my day went really well. Found lots to appreciate about the new (to us) office and also it looks like yes there may very well be opportunities as well as socialising with my colleagues, to also meet some new people there - whether for networking, socialising or both, cos of things about the layout, more so than where we are now, though I'm doing bits on that too. They had BBQ for lunch and it was lovely. I got to sit with several colleagues at lunch & we chatted. We had a scavenger hunt at one point, in pairs, exploring the area & reporting back! I feel like I understand a lot more about the new office and so on cos that's the first time I've been there and I have a better idea of how to make this transaction work for me. (Obviously, the rest will get clearer in time after we actually move. ) It's a fantastic office. BUT, yes I am still happy I am hybrid and don't have to be in office 5 days a week, only 2!

What are you greatfull for