Today, I’m grateful for all those questionable decisions in life that I’ve called mistakes along the way which led me here to this moment sharing this, our 188th edition, with you. Considering all that has transpired over the years, both personally and professionally, it’s truly a miracle that we are still here bringing you what we always hope it is: helpful, practical and hope-filled information and pathways that support you on your journey.

Perhaps one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned most recently is that knowing what we want to change and actually making those changes are two very different things. While being an information addict may have some benefits, I’m learning that being hooked to learning without execution causes a whole new paradigm of negative self-talk and feelings of stuckness.

That’s why Cécile Raynor’s article, “Why Understanding Isn’t Always Enough to Create Change,” hit close to home. She explores why deeply ingrained habits hang on despite our best intentions, and how awareness, curiosity and alignment can help us create change that lasts.

Through my own habit-change adventure, I’m learning that real change isn’t about fighting old habits or forcing myself to be different. It’s about pausing to ask, “Is this really what I want?” and then choosing what moves me closer to the life I envision. Each small choice is a chance to build a new pattern and a little more trust in myself. And if I choose to stay put, I’m also choosing the suffering that comes with it.

Of course, we can’t choose differently if we don’t notice we’re choosing at all. In “Increase Your Gratitude With Mindfulness,” mindfulness instructor M.J. Schwartz points to research showing that nearly nine out of 10 of our daily actions happen at least partly on autopilot, and explains how a few seconds of mindful noticing can pull us out of it. Even better, the more we notice, the more we find to be grateful for.

And it’s never too late to start. I recently watched a YouTube video of a 91-year-old man who took up skateboarding at 65 and is still at it. While I don’t skateboard, I can take the hint.

As we celebrate National Gratitude Month, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our readers, advertisers and community partners who continue to make this journey possible. I’m more grateful than ever to be sharing it with you.

Here’s to appreciating how far we’ve come, embracing where we are and leaning into all that is still possible!

Peace,