Let’s bring this concept into focus where weight loss, self-esteem and body image are concerned. It’s easy to celebrate and give thanks when we’ve lost weight, made a positive choice in a challenging situation, or just plain feel good about how we look in our clothes. It’s harder to give thanks when we’ve worked really hard and hit a plateau or had a weight gain.

I call this topic “Every Breath You Take” because with every breath we can find reason to give thanks. This practice of giving thanks no matter the circumstances has been the most difficult for me to maintain, yet it has yielded more joy than any other for me. It’s the same as turning the negative self-talk around, in that it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes being aware of the opportunities to give thanks when our go-to thoughts are anything but grateful. Then it takes more practice to give thanks and mean it. Then it takes more practice to find peace and grace in the thanksgiving so that we can find joy even in the middle of what seems to be failure.

With every breath we take, there is reason to be thankful. With every bite of food we eat, there is reason to be grateful. With every step we take, every lap we swim, every pedal of a stationary bike, there is reason to be grateful. With every pound we gain, every plateau we hit, every look in the mirror, there is reason to be grateful. It’s a choice we can make, and in making the choice to give thanks, we make this journey infinitely easier and more joyful.