05-08-26 Episode 12: Gratitude even when Worry feels Present and Persistent
In this episode, Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC and Katie Krych, MSN, RN, PMHNP(c) explore what it means to notice gratitude even when worry feels present and persistent.
When the mind is focused on stress, uncertainty, or “what if” thinking, it becomes easy to overlook the things that are actually supporting us day to day. Gratitude in these moments is not about ignoring worry or pretending everything is fine, but about gently widening perspective so that both concern and appreciation can exist at the same time.
This conversation highlights how gratitude does not have to be complicated or profound to be meaningful. Sometimes it looks like appreciating something as simple as the color of your car because it does not show dirt as easily, which makes life feel a little more manageable. It can also look like noticing a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a quiet moment in the car, or a small window of calm during a busy day.
From there, they expand into deeper forms of gratitude that often get overlooked during stress, such as appreciation for family, steady friendships, meaningful work, and a supportive social circle. These are the foundational parts of life that can fade into the background when worry takes over attention.
They also discuss how worry can narrow focus, why gratitude can feel harder to access during heightened anxiety, and how intentionally noticing small and large blessings can help bring balance back into perspective. The goal is not to eliminate worry, but to create space for both reality and appreciation to coexist.
This episode offers a grounded and realistic approach to gratitude that meets people where they are, especially in seasons where the mind feels full and overwhelmed.
It closes with a brief reflection to help listeners identify one small and one meaningful thing they can appreciate in the present moment.
Paperclips & Periods airs on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network and supports Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, promoting emotional well-being and whole-person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
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