This month, we’ve been talking a lot about gratitude for our work, our teams, and our growth. But there’s one form of gratitude that doesn’t get enough attention: gratitude for our bodies.

For many of us, that’s a tough one.

We’ve been taught to criticize what we see in the mirror. To notice what’s “wrong” — too big, too small, too tired, too sick, too scarred. I’ve been there, too.

As someone living with Crohn’s disease, I’ve had more than a few moments where I’ve felt like my body betrayed me. Crohn’s is an autoimmune disorder, which basically means my body doesn’t think my digestive system belongs there, so my immune system keeps attacking it. It’s caused inflammation, bleeding, fatigue, and plenty of frustration. There have been days I’ve looked at my reflection and thought, “My body is broken.”

But recently, while speaking at a wellness event for young adult cancer survivors, my perspective shifted again. Listening to their stories — months in the hospital, hair loss, mastectomies, relentless treatments; I couldn’t help but think: Maybe my body isn’t so bad.

Because it still carries me through my days.
It still allows me to show up for my family, my clients, and my purpose.
It still lets me move, speak, hug, and help.

And that realization stopped me in my tracks.

Your Body Is Not the Enemy

Our bodies are doing their best, even when they hurt, even when they don’t look or function the way we wish they did. Every cell is trying to protect us, heal us, and help us survive.

When we practice gratitude for our bodies, we shift from judgment to appreciation. From “What’s wrong with me?” to “What’s still working for me?”

That shift changes everything.

Neuroscience tells us that gratitude activates the prefrontal cortex and calms the amygdala; the part of our brain tied to fear and self-criticism. In other words, when you focus on what your body can do instead of what it can’t, you literally start to feel safer and more at peace in your own skin.

Flipping the Script

No matter what your body has been through, illness, injury, trauma, or time, you can still find something to thank it for.

Ask yourself:

• Did I wake up today?

• Can I breathe deeply?

• Can I smile, speak, or connect with someone I love?

• Can I move, even a little?

• Can I learn, grow, and show kindness?

If the answer is yes to any of those, there’s room for gratitude.

Instead of staring in the mirror and pointing out every flaw, try this:
Look in the mirror and name three things your body allows you to do.

Maybe it carried you through a tough week. Maybe it’s healing in small ways you can’t see yet. Maybe it’s holding you up when life feels heavy.

Your body deserves your thanks, not your resentment.

No Quit November: Gratitude in Motion

No Quit November isn’t just about finishing goals or staying motivated; it’s about not giving up on yourself.

And that includes the body you live in.

When you choose gratitude for your body, you stop fighting against it and start working with it. You move from frustration to compassion, and it's that compassion that keeps us going when things get hard.

So today, take a moment to thank your body.
For waking up. For trying. For carrying you through this life.

Because thankful bodies, just like thankful teams, don’t quit.

At Life Force Wellness, we believe that gratitude is the foundation of resilience; whether in work, in wellness, or within yourself. Your body is not your enemy; it’s your lifelong teammate. Treat it with the appreciation it deserves, and it will carry you further than you think.