Do you realize that there are steps you can take each day to improve the experience of life that you are living?
Today I want to share a couple of easy-to-manage steps that you can take to move you in the direction of a more fulfilling experience of love, life, and happiness.
First, let me explain that a better life is right at your fingertips and totally within your control and power! No one can hold you back and these easy steps done with daily diligence will garnish noticeable results within days.
In fact, I will go as far as saying that within weeks there will be no denying that you are experiencing the results of your practicing of these simple steps.
I am willingly sharing this information with you so that you can find more happiness and joy in your life because there is nothing more I would like to gift to you than that.
Without wasting another minute here is your first step. Each morning when you wake up, upon noticing that you are awake, find something in your current experience to appreciate and think about that thing with as much gratitude as you can milk out of it.
Yep, it’s that simple.
Let me give you an example of what I mean. I woke up and felt the cushy softness of my pillow and thought “Oh how wonderful this pillow is, it is positioned just right under my head and feels so goooood — I love this pillow, it’s such a wonderful pillow, I love the way it embraces my head with such gentle softness, it really is a glorious feeling to be laying with my head so gently embraced and supported. I love the way this pillow embraces my head.”
You get the idea. It could be anything you are feeling appreciation for and each day pick something else to milk the juicy gratitude out of.
The second simple step I recommend is to spend two or three minutes focusing all your attention on your breath. That’s all it takes, just two or three minutes of focusing to ensure you start your day in the best possible way.
These two simple steps will improve your mood and create momentum in the direction of a happier day. Done over time they add up to a healthier, happier you, and you’ll find yourself having a better experience of life.
What to Expect in the First Few Days
The changes are subtle at first — and that’s exactly how they should be. You might notice you feel a little lighter getting out of bed. A moment of genuine warmth before the day’s demands kick in. You may catch yourself smiling at something small, or find that you’re slightly less reactive when something doesn’t go your way. Don’t dismiss these as coincidences. They’re the first signs that your energetic baseline is shifting. Stay with it.
A Simple Way to Remember: Habit Stacking
The easiest way to make sure these practices actually happen is to slip them in between habits you already have — this is called habit stacking. Choose a consistent moment in your morning routine and anchor your appreciation practice there. Before you take that first sip of coffee. Before your feet hit the floor. Before you check your phone.
The time stays the same every day — that’s what builds the habit. What you appreciate changes each day. One morning it’s the warmth of your mug. The next, a good night’s sleep. The next, your dog curled up beside you. The variety keeps it fresh and genuine; the consistency is what makes it stick.
What you appreciate matters far less than the act of appreciating. The practice is the point.
Why These Steps Work
These two practices work because they shift your energetic starting point for the day. When you wake up and immediately find something to appreciate, you’re training your mind to scan for what’s right rather than what’s wrong — and what you focus on expands. Gratitude raises your vibration before the noise of the day has a chance to lower it.
The breath practice works in a similar way. Just two to three minutes of conscious breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, quieting the stress response and bringing you into the present moment. From that place of presence, you’re no longer projecting yesterday’s worries into today — you’re open, clear, and receptive to what’s possible.
Together, these steps create a morning energetic baseline that carries forward. Over time, you’re not just having better mornings — you’re becoming someone who naturally expects good things. And that expectation? It’s one of the most powerful creative forces there is.
Give it a try and let me know how it is working out for you!!
A Closing Thought
These two simple steps — gratitude and breath — are the foundation of everything I teach and everything I create. When I paint, I begin from this same place of presence and appreciation. It’s what allows the work to carry energy rather than just color.
If you’re drawn to surrounding yourself with that kind of intentional energy, I’d love for you to explore a Personal Energy Portrait — a piece created from that very same elevated state, made just for you.
— Tonya
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