Gratitude is the foam roller of the mindset game

I remember the first time I heard about a foam roller. I was suspicious as to how a solid cylindrical piece of styrofoam could “change the game” in my fitness routine. I couldn’t run on it or use it as a punching bag. It wasn’t even heavy, so it’s not like picking it up was building any muscle. 

Finally, my trainer talked me into sitting on one and giving it a go. Suddenly, I was no longer thinking about the fitness benefits - I was thinking about how excruciating the experience was. It felt like a thousand knives were stabbing me in the leg. I was decidedly not a fan of this “game-changing” tool. 

But then I started my workout. 

My squats? Deeper. My sprints? Quicker. My endurance? Greater. 

And the next day - I wasn’t in my typical post leg day pain. 

I was sold. This wonderfully magic little torture device was a game-changer in my fitness routine. I didn’t know how or why, and it wasn’t pleasant, but it worked. 

——

When people speak to me about feelings of jealousy, animosity, anger, sadness, or fear - I will inevitably recommend a gratitude routine. 

And as if on cue, they will always look at me with the same look of “wtf?” that I had on my face the first time I was told about the foam roller. 

And I get it. I really, really do. I have personally been known to make uniquely bizarre whining noises when told by coaches or friends that it might be time to reintroduce a gratitude practice into my life. 

Because when we are in downward spiral, the last thing we want to do is practice gratitude. We want to keep critiquing and judging and comparing and analyzing so we can find the elusive inner justice and peace of mind. 

And that’s exactly why in those moments gratitude is exactly what we need. It hurts for a reason - because it’s bumping up against tender points that need our attention. It’s annoying for a reason - because it’s changing the direction of our internal emotional momentum. 

But it works. Just as with the foam roller, the results are hard to ignore. 

So if you’re having a moment - if you’re comparing yourself to others on social media, if you’re experiencing fomo or envy, if you’re stuck in hyper-analytical doomsday prep mode because you’re afraid of the unknown - give gratitude a try. 

Yes, I know. It’s weird. But it works. And isn’t that the point? 

Audio Bonus!
Why is practicing gratitude a pain in the neck - and my go-to quick and easy gratitude practice.