Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most transformative practices we can embrace. It invites us to shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance that surrounds us, anchoring us in joy and positivity. In the Triumph framework, gratitude is central to Step 6—a step designed to realign our mindset and elevate our daily lives by tuning into the good that is always present.
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to witness Triumph’s impact across a spectrum of communities, from teaching emotional literacy to private school students to empowering educators at one of the nation’s top universities and reaching underserved children and their families. These moments filled my heart with joy and reinforced my teaching message: Triumph is within.
Last month, I had the opportunity to present to almost 90 9th graders at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, a place that holds special meaning for me. My daughter attended Carrollton her entire school life, and to now return and share with these young women how to become triumphant was an honor beyond words. Standing before them, I was reminded of how powerful it is to plant seeds of emotional literacy and resilience at such a formative age. I left the room inspired by their curiosity and openness, grateful for the chance to connect with them on a deeply personal level.
The second moment came this week during a mini-retreat I led for nearly 55 faculty and administrators at Florida International University, one of the top-ranked medical schools in the country. The retreat focused on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and Triumph at work—essential skills for these educators and healthcare professionals as they serve their students and patients. Seeing their engagement and willingness to reflect on their own growth left me with immense gratitude. Their dedication to improving themselves so they can better serve others is the kind of ripple effect that can change lives.
In addition to these events, my team of Triumph Steps certified coaches and I delivered multiple parent engagement and student meetings throughout Miami-Dade County’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces to hundreds of students and their families. These sessions equip parents with tools for resilience and communication and directly impact underserved children who benefit from this emotional literacy framework.
This wide range of experiences—working with private school students, university faculty, and vulnerable communities—fills me with a profound sense of purpose and gratitude.
These moments reminded me how gratitude deepens our connections with others and ourselves. It also brings me back to a simple, powerful practice I often teach: the GLAD list.
Each night, before you go to bed, reflect on your day using the GLAD framework:
• G – Ask yourself what do I take for granted? A blessing, a gift, or a moment of grace.
• L – What have I learned today? A new insight, understanding, or skill.
• A – What did I achieve today? Big or small, every step matters.
• D – What delighted you? A moment that sparked joy, connection, or laughter.
This simple exercise rewires your brain to notice and focus on appreciation, which produces happy neurochemicals. As you drift off to sleep, your subconscious mind carries these reflections of joy and triumph, reinforcing a mindset of abundance, possibility, and purpose.
Tonight, I invite you to create your own GLAD list. As you write it, notice how your heart fills with joy. These small acts of gratitude, practiced consistently, lead to monumental shifts in our lives.
As we celebrate this season of Thanksgiving, let us embrace gratitude as a daily practice and let us step into each day with a heart full of thanks and a mindset ready for Triumph.