In this episode of Conversations That Heal, I’m talking about what it means to choose gratitude when life doesn’t feel good.

Gratitude doesn’t mean denying sadness, anger, grief, relationship endings, financial stress, or disappointment. It means recognizing that even in difficult seasons, there can still be something worth holding onto.

I share pieces of my own therapy journey, including the fear I once had about telling family secrets and the freedom I experienced when I finally had a safe place to be heard without judgment. I also share a lesson from therapy that changed how I approached my healing: pain can help us understand our behavior, but eventually we have to take responsibility for what we do with that pain.

I reflect on navigating profound loss, including losing a baby and my mother, and a season when the weight of everything I was carrying became incredibly heavy. I talk honestly about experiencing suicidal thoughts and why I believe it is so important to stay, reach for support, and give yourself the opportunity to see what can exist beyond the pain you're experiencing today.

I also share practical ways to begin choosing gratitude: write down the names of people who have shown up for you, notice the everyday things your body allows you to experience, thank God for what you still have, remember the times He has shown up before, identify what you love about yourself, and revisit memories that remind you that your story contains joy too.

Gratitude doesn't require us to pretend everything is okay.

Sometimes gratitude simply says, “This is hard, but I can still find something to thank God for today.”

I close this episode with prayer for anyone who is struggling to find gratitude in their current season.

🎵 Praise Song of the Week: “Because of You” by Tamia

https://youtu.be/xTFBocxo1DU?si=2u1eDuWuXLQo60tZ

🎙️ Conversations That Heal — Healing One Conversation at a Time.

In this episode of Conversations That Heal, I sit down with Dr. Monica Sines for a powerful conversation about healing, boundaries, authenticity, and discovering the beauty of who you truly are.

Dr. Monica shares how her journey as a veteran, pharmacist, author, and singer helped her move from survival mode to a place of peace and freedom. Together, we discuss people-pleasing, family trauma, accountability, re-parenting ourselves, self-forgiveness, and why true self-love goes far beyond what we see on social media.

One of my favorite reminders from this conversation is that you are not your experiences—you are worthy of healing, grace, and love.

I pray this episode encourages you to take one small step toward your own healing journey.

If this conversation blessed you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

"Lord You Are Good" – Todd Galberth Lord You Are Good

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Healing One Conversation at a Time. 💙

Grief, Purpose & Gratitude Can Coexist | Conversations That Heal with Dr. Stephanie Jeffreys After stepping away from Conversations That Heal since May 11, I'm finally ready to share why. During my time away, I realized I wasn't just taking a break. I was actively navigating grief, loneliness, and what I now recognize as a silent depression following the loss of my best friend, Derika. One of the most surprising things I've learned is that grief doesn't always look the way we expect it to. It can show up in the middle of joyful moments, exciting opportunities, and new beginnings. As I've prepared to relocate to another country, I've found myself grieving the absence of the person who would have been cheering me on, helping me plan, and reminding me that everything would be okay. In this episode, I share what this season has taught me about honoring my grief without allowing it to steal my purpose. God has called me to help others heal from childhood and transgenerational trauma, and I've learned that purpose doesn't disappear simply because life becomes painful. I've also discovered something that has carried me through this season: two things can be true at the same time. I can deeply miss Derika and still be grateful for the life God is building. I can feel lonely and still know that I'm not alone. I can mourn what I've lost while remaining thankful for what I still have. If you're walking through grief, I want you to know there is no right or wrong way to process it. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Don't compare your journey to anyone else's, and don't allow grief to convince you that your purpose has ended. Your pain may become part of your story, but it doesn't have to become your identity. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, prayed for me, and continued to support Conversations That Heal. Your encouragement has meant more than you know. I close this episode with a prayer that God would strengthen you, guide you, and remind you that He is still working, even in the hardest seasons. I also encourage you to listen to "Suddenly" by Pastor Mike Jr.It's been a powerful reminder for me that God can change everything in a moment. Listen to Suddenly here https://youtu.be/pMkFmA-WWTQ?si=HOS36to5N5VJ8gum