Living in Gratitude – Shifting from Fear to Faith Ep 110
In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about how gratitude has reshaped the way I think, pray, and live. Gratitude is more than manners—it’s a mindset that transforms your outlook and draws you closer to God. I share personal stories, lessons from Scripture, and insights I’ve learned through years of practice. This episode is about finding peace in faith, even when life doesn’t go as planned.
My Reflections on Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting that God is working through every situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to give thanks in all circumstances. When I live in gratitude, I find clarity and peace instead of fear and worry.
I remember being in the hospital with COVID. It was a tough time. I could have focused on fear, but instead, I prayed with gratitude—for my caregivers, my family, and the strength to heal. That shift helped me stay calm and hopeful. Philippians 4:6–7 says not to be anxious but to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. I’ve found that when I do that, peace follows.
Gratitude also affects how we see problems. When I view challenges as opportunities to grow, the solutions often appear—through people, prayer, or unexpected circumstances. Living in gratitude keeps me open, hopeful, and focused on progress instead of perfection.
What I’ve Learned from Others
Over the years, I’ve found wisdom in how others describe gratitude:
- Bob Proctor says gratitude is an alignment tool that connects us with our source.
- Tony Robbins believes gratitude changes our emotional state—you can’t feel fear or anger while being thankful.
- Jim Rohn calls it a discipline that keeps success meaningful.
These ideas remind me that gratitude isn’t passive. It’s an active decision to focus on what’s right and what’s possible.
Four Gratitude Challenges I Shared
If you want to live more gratefully this week, try these simple steps:
- Write down one thing each day that you’re grateful for that came through someone else.
- Thank God in prayer for the blessings in your life and how He’s shaping you through people and situations.
- Tell one person this week that you appreciate them, and explain why.
- Reflect in your journal on one area where gratitude could move you from being self-focused to hopeful.
These actions have helped me stay grounded and focused on God’s goodness.
Bonus: Book Review – Moving Mountains by John Eldredge https://wildatheart.org/
In this episode, I also share a quick review of Moving Mountains by John Eldredge. This book teaches how to pray with passion, confidence, and authority. Gratitude plays a central role in that process—it shifts prayer from desperation to expectancy.
What I appreciate most is how Eldredge connects prayer and gratitude as part of a deeper relationship with God. The book isn’t a quick how-to guide; it’s about aligning your heart with faith. I’ll admit it’s a little slow at times, but the lessons are meaningful. One of my favorite takeaways is this: gratitude and prayer invite God’s peace and shift us from asking to expecting confidently.
It’s a book worth reading if you want to strengthen your faith and understand how gratitude changes everything.
Key Takeaways
- Gratitude is a mindset that builds faith and peace.
- Fear and gratitude can’t live in the same heart.
- Trust God with what you can’t control, and focus on what you can.
- Journaling helps you stay thankful and aware of progress.
- Real gratitude improves relationships, leadership, and well-being.
Closing Thoughts
Each day is a new chance to practice gratitude. Thank God for what is and what will be. Tell someone you appreciate them. Keep your focus on progress, not perfection.
You can listen to this full episode and others at levelyourselfup.com/podcasts.
Follow me on TikTok: @level.yourself.up
Watch on YouTube: @levelyourself_up
What’s One Change That Would Make You Happier? Episode 109
Level Yourself Up – Episode 109: What’s One Change That Would Make You Happier?
I’m asking a simple but powerful question—what’s one change you know would make you happier, but you haven’t done it yet? I share thoughts from my own life, like finishing my basement studio, and explore how true happiness comes from inner peace and living out your values, not from chasing external rewards.
Finding Real Happiness
Happiness is more than a short-term feeling. It’s about inner contentment, peace, and purpose. Many people mistake happiness for excitement, but that fades fast. I talk about the difference between joy that comes from God and the temporary thrill of getting new things. I also share why serving others and living within your calling brings deeper satisfaction.
Living by Your Values
You’ll never be happy living by someone else’s expectations. I challenge you to reflect on what happiness means to you, what values guide your life, and what excuses you’re using to delay change. I admit my own excuses—like not recording because my studio wasn’t ready—and how I finally pushed through.
Practical Shifts for More Joy
I walk through small but meaningful changes you can make right now. Better boundaries. More rest. Daily gratitude. Less self-criticism. Even simple steps like walking outside or taking short naps can refresh your perspective and create space for growth.
Faith and Mindset
Faith plays a key role in how I define happiness. I believe true joy comes from God’s presence within us. I also touch on how our thoughts and words shape our emotions. Speaking gratitude and affirming your growth helps rewire how you see yourself.
Episode Takeaways
- Ask yourself what single change would make you happier.
- Define happiness based on your values, not others’ opinions.
- Serve others—it’s the surest path to fulfillment.
- Let go of excuses that delay your growth.
- Set boundaries and prioritize rest.
- Speak gratitude and life into your daily mindset.
- Re-evaluate your habits and make room for joy.
Listen Now
Stream this episode and past ones on Level Yourself Up:
https://www.levelyourselfup.com/podcasts/
Connect with me on:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@level.yourself.up
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@levelyourself_up
Past podcast worth looking at https://levelyourselfup.com/de-clutter-and-finding-peace/
Rethinking Failure: The Path to Success
Welcome to Level Yourself Up, where we focus on progress over perfection. In this episode, I talk about the concept of failure and how it affects our mindset. Too often, we let failure drag us down, convincing ourselves that setbacks define us. But what if we changed our perspective? Instead of seeing failure as a roadblock, we can reframe it as a stepping stone toward success. I’ll share personal insights, biblical wisdom, and real-world examples of how embracing failure can unlock your potential.
Failure is often misunderstood. Many people see it as an end, but it’s actually a powerful learning experience. I’ve faced my own struggles—even getting this podcast out wasn’t easy. Like any challenge in life or business, failure isn’t a signal to quit but an opportunity to grow. Learning new skills, adapting, and persevering are key to overcoming obstacles. In this episode, I discuss the importance of pushing through challenges and how influential figures like Michael Jordan and Elon Musk used failure to fuel their success. I also explore the role of faith and how trusting in God can provide strength during difficult times.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- Failure is not final – It’s a stepping stone, not a dead end.
- Learned helplessness holds us back – We must challenge the mindset that we are powerless to change.
- Faith plays a role in resilience – Biblical wisdom reminds us that God strengthens us through trials (1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 145:13-14).
- Failure is data, not defeat – Remove emotion from setbacks and analyze the facts to make better decisions.
- Even the greatest fail – Michael Jordan missed thousands of shots, but his mindset made him a legend.
- Surround yourself with support – A coach, mentor, or trusted friend can help you navigate challenges.
- Keep learning and growing – If you’re not learning, you’re stagnating. Growth comes from perseverance.
Final Thoughts
Failure isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. The most successful people in history have failed more times than we can count, but they didn’t let it stop them. Instead, they used it to refine their skills, shift their strategies, and ultimately achieve greatness. I encourage you to rethink failure in your own life. How can you use setbacks as stepping stones? What lesson can you take from today’s challenges? Let’s push forward together and Level Yourself Up!