Hello there! Welcome to Day 6 of the 7-40 Challenge. If you’re just joining me, this is my journey through 7 daily habits over 40 days of intentional living, growth, and self-reflection. Today, we’re diving deep into something that’s often overlooked in our hustle-filled lives: gratitude.
In a world that’s constantly bombarding us with notifications, deadlines, and distractions, it’s all too easy to take things for granted. We rush through our days without pausing to appreciate the simple miracles around us—the breath in our lungs, the people who light up our lives, or the opportunities that come our way. But here’s the stark truth: it could all vanish in an instant. Life is fragile, and I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.
A Brush with the Edge: My Wake-Up Call
I don’t have to dig too far into my past to remember a time when gratitude wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it became my lifeline. Seven years ago, I was struck down by a serious illness that required immediate medical intervention. The doctors were upfront: there was a real chance I wouldn’t make it through. In those harrowing moments, everything shifted. It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about rebaselining my entire existence.
That experience stripped away the noise and forced me to confront what truly matters. My relationship with God? Non-negotiable. My wife and son? The absolute core of my world. My closest friends? Irreplaceable. The way I spend my time each day, and the work I pour my energy into? Suddenly, the things I spent too much time worrying about didn’t make sense anymore. It was like hitting the reset button on life, and emerging on the other side with clearer priorities.
Fast forward to today, and I’m still riding that wave of profound thankfulness. I’m grateful for my deepened faith, for the unwavering support of my family, for friends who show up in the big and small moments, and for work that challenges me while bringing genuine fulfillment. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling for me—it’s a daily practice that keeps me grounded.
The Obligation of Gratitude: Leading by Example
Here’s where it gets real: feeling grateful comes with a sense of responsibility. I see it as an obligation—and even a personal challenge—to model this mindset for others. In a society that loves to play the victim card, it’s tempting to let life just “happen” to us. We complain about the traffic, the workload, the endless scroll of bad news. We forget to choose a posture of gratefulness, slipping into autopilot and taking everything for granted.
But that’s not the path I want to walk. It’s not who I aspire to be. Instead, I choose to start each day with intention:
- Gratitude to God: For the gift of another sunrise, another chance to live fully. He saved me, forgave me and breathes life into me every morning, and I refuse to overlook that.
- Loving my family well: My wife and son are my anchors. I make it a point to remind them daily how much they mean to me—through words, actions, and undivided attention.
- Being a true friend: Not the surface-level kind, but one who listens deeply, cares genuinely, and shows up when it counts. Life’s too short for shallow connections.
- Doing work that matters: I strive to tackle projects that challenge me, inspire growth, and make a positive impact. And I aim to do it with excellence, because why settle for less?
Gratitude isn’t passive—it’s active. It’s a choice that transforms how we navigate the world, turning potential pitfalls into opportunities for appreciation.
Your Turn: What Lights Up Your Gratitude List?
So, I turn the spotlight to you. In the midst of your own chaos, what are you truly grateful for today? Maybe it’s the coffee that kickstarts your morning, a supportive partner, a healthy body, or a dream you’re chasing. Whatever it is, big or small, let’s celebrate it.
Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d genuinely love to hear from you. Sharing our gratitude not only amplifies it but inspires others to pause and reflect. Who knows? Your story might be the spark someone else needs.
Thanks for joining me on this leg of the 7-40 Challenge. Let’s keep pushing forward with hearts full of thanks. Tomorrow brings a new day—stay tuned!
What are you grateful for? Let’s build a community of appreciation right here.
David Willis 