In 2024, I faced dramatic medical emergencies, big financial setbacks, family and friends dying, a total-loss car accident, and more — all while beginning to write what would eventually become this book.

Surprisingly, through it all, gratitude was automatic. Not because I was grateful for these things happening. But I’d spent years training my brain to be grateful in difficult situations. I learned to notice what still works while dealing with what doesn’t.

After that season, I feel fortunate to be able to say: I am grateful, grounded, and have peace — even when life is hard and uncomfortable. And that changes everything about how I can lead my family, serve others, and navigate chaos.

You’ll read the story of that season in Chapter 5. First, let me show you the practice.