Hi ,

First up, there’s no pressure here to feel positive.

This isn’t about silver linings or trying to talk yourself out of how you actually feel.

This subject idea came to me at the weekend while I was out for a walk and noticed some daffodils in bloom...

I’ll be honest - I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. The relentless rain, some family pressures, and what felt like a never-ending January had left me feeling a bit 'meh'.

But those daffodils surprised me.

They didn’t try to cheer me up, or fix how I was feeling. They didn’t make a big song and dance about it. They just gently caught my attention...

A sudden flash of yellow among muddy grass and grey skies. And for a moment, something softened...

I felt grateful - not because everything was suddenly fine, but because it reminded me that spring is on its way. Lighter days are coming. Nature is waking up 🌱

And it reminded me of something else too: I was here. My eyes noticed the daffodils. My legs had carried me there. My breath was sustaining me. Instead of being lost in thought, I felt present.

Even on a day when I wasn’t feeling very positive.

Which made me wonder if we’ve been a little misled about gratitude?

As though it has to look like happiness or optimism - and if we’re not feeling those things, then gratitude must be out of reach too...

But maybe it’s more nuanced than that...

What if gratitude can be about noticing what’s quietly holding us, even when things feel difficult? 🫱🥹🫲

Sometimes that looks like:

• Your body showing up imperfectly, but still carrying you through the day
• Your breath continuing, even when you’re tired or overwhelmed
• Your nervous system doing its best to protect you, even if it feels overactive or stuck

This kind of gratitude doesn’t demand a shift in mood or ask you to feel better.

It simply acknowledges support that’s already there.

And that kind of noticing can be surprisingly regulating.

A gentle moment of tapping

If it feels supportive, you might like to take a minute or two to tap along with this.

You can tap lightly on the side of your hand (or simply imagine the tapping if that feels easier).

Side of the hand (repeat 3 times):

Even though I’m not feeling very positive right now, I’m still here with myself.

Then, if you’d like, move through the points once - repeating or gently choosing the words that fit best for you:

Eyebrow: Things feel a bit difficult / heavy / overwhelming

Side of the eye: I feel tired / low on energy / worn out

Under the eye: Maybe I’m carrying a lot right now

Under the nose: And I’m still showing up

Chin: Even when it feels hard

Collarbone: I’m still here with myself

Under the arm: Still breathing, still present

Top of the head: I honour being here, just as I am

There’s no need to feel different or suddenly grateful. You can stop at any point, or come back to it later if that feels better.

If you’d like some gentle guidance with this, I’ve linked a short tapping video below.

It’s a soft, heart-led gratitude practice...not about forcing appreciation, but about noticing what’s already here and letting that be enough.

👉 EFT Tapping for Gratitude - A Heart in Full Bloom

Wherever you are today, you’re allowed to be there.

With love,

P.S. If you’d like a gentle place to stay connected with tapping reflections like this, the Heart Circle has a free Explorer membership.

It’s a quiet, supportive space to learn, reflect, and feel less alone - with no pressure to participate or keep up. You’re very welcome to join whenever it feels right: https://members.tappingassociation.com/invitation?code=DEDE9B