Is gratitude the best tool to pull through hard times?

Maybe you’ve recently lost your job, a loved one, or received a terminal diagnosis. When going through difficult times like those, happiness can feel impossibly far away, as if you may never reach it no matter how far you stretch.

However, science tells us that happiness is attainable even in the darkest times. According to Dr. Robert Emmons, a University of California Psychology professor, we can increase our happiness by 25% by being more grateful for what we do have.

He says, “Gratitude is one of the few things that can change people’s lives in a measurable way.”

People facing terminal illnesses find life extremely difficult. It’s natural to wonder whether you could find even a glimmer of gratitude if you were faced with that kind of diagnosis.

Well, thanks to my conversation with Brooke Eby on my podcast, The CATALYST Effect, I don’t have to wonder anymore. I asked Brooke to share some of the things she was grateful for that came in the aftermath of her ALS diagnosis.

Diagnosed at the age of 33, Brooke is using her innate sense of humor and positive outlook on life to help raise awareness and funding for ALS research.

Not only did I want my listeners to hear her heart-felt answers, but I also wanted them to see how Brooke is able to both grieve for the life she once had and be grateful for the blessings that follow.

Brooke’s answer helped me see that good things can rise out of devastating circumstances. It may be tough in the moment, but seeking gratitude could be the best way to find a little light in the darkness..

I promise that after listening to our conversation, you too will walk away with a greater appreciation for simply living another day!

Keep inspiring us Brooke – you are truly one-in-a-million!

To follow Brooke’s journey, connect on Instagram/TikTok/Twitter at @limpbroozkit