What is your Gratitude path? Magnificent views at Yosemite

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Have you ever noticed how the smallest moments—ones we almost miss—end up being the ones that change us? This week, I want to share a story about gratitude, habit, and the quiet miracles we only see when we slow down enough to look Explore the true meaning of gratitude—not as pretending life is perfect, but as finding light even in challenging moments. Gratitude beyond Yosemite.

A Personal Gratitude Story

About four years ago, a dear friend of mine started a Daily Gratitude Practice — a simple space where people could share what they were grateful for. I jumped right in and started posting every day. Some days it was easy, and other days it was surprisingly hard to come up with ten things that didn’t repeat from the day before.

But the magic was in the looking.
Throughout the day, I found myself watching for every little blessing — the tiny moments, the big breakthroughs, the unexpected kindnesses. I loved reading everyone else’s gratitude posts too. It felt like being wrapped in joy.

Over time, life shifted. I started posting two or three times a week… then just on Sundays… and eventually, I stopped altogether.

As I recently reflected on why I let it fade, I realized the turning point was a social media fast I did for a few months. But here’s the beautiful part: even though I stopped posting, the habit stayed with me. Because of this special friend and her simple practice, gratitude became woven into my daily life.

Now I look for things to be grateful for every single day —
Sometimes it’s people who bless me.
Sometimes it’s the breathtaking Arizona sunsets or the nature around me.
Sometimes it’s meaningful experiences…
Other times it’s the lessons I didn’t know I needed.

This daily mindset has become a habit, a blessing, and truly a gift to myself.

One of my most cherished treasures is a gratitude bottle my friend made for me. She decorated it with so much love. Even today, I add my most precious gratitude memories to that bottle. It’s becoming a personal treasure chest of moments I never want to forget.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you find small and meaningful moments to appreciate. And please know…

I am grateful for YOU.

Wishing you a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! 🤍

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Talking with our friends, we asked if they had ever been to Yosemite. They live only a few hours away, so we were surprised when they said no! Neither my husband nor I had ever been either, so a road trip was planned — and we are so grateful that we had this beautiful time with our friends. Sharing the majesty of Yosemite with dear friends became one of those rare, sacred memories you know you’ll carry forever. The laughter, the quiet moments, the awe-inspiring views… all of it felt like a gift. A reminder that some of life’s most beautiful experiences aren’t just about the destination, but the people you get to share it with.

Yosemite absolutely gets The Autism Passport Sensory-Friendly Recommendation!

Day 1 — Mariposa Grove

We started at Mariposa Grove. After parking, we took the free shuttle, which runs regularly (always check the schedule). We happened to be there during the government shutdown, but the shuttle was still operating. Only vehicles with a disability placard are allowed into the limited parking near the grove itself.

From the shuttle drop-off, it’s just a short walk before the giant sequoias appear. With the sunlight shining on them, they looked like tall velvet–copper giants.

We took the easy hike to the Grizzly Giant, and it was absolutely worth it. The whole area is breathtaking — perfect for photos and very manageable for a wide range of sensory needs.

Day 2 — Private Yosemite Tour

The next day, we had a private tour. We were picked up at our hotel, and our guide was incredible. As we drove through the tunnel, the view that opened up on the other side was breath-taking — the kind of moment that makes you pause and just take it all in.

Some of my favorite stops were the waterfalls, Yosemite Valley Chapel, and The Ahwahnee Lodge (just a note: even with reservations, lunch can take much longer than expected). And then… El Capitan. I was mesmerized! At first, we noticed tiny bright specks in the distance. Our guide said they were rock climbers.

Once we got closer, we even saw a couple of portaledges hanging on the cliff. To me, that was wild and fascinating — especially hearing the stories of early climbers and the inspiring journey of Mark Wellman, the first paraplegic climber to summit El Capitan. Seeing those little tents suspended on such a massive wall was unforgettable.

🌲✨ Autism-Friendly Travel Tips for Yosemite

As your tour guide, my goal is always to help you create a trip that feels predictable, calm, sensory-safe, and joy-filled. Here are some practical tips for making your visit a wonderful memory for everyone.

🧭 1. Choose the Right Times of Day

Kids and adults with autism often thrive in calmer environments.

Best times:
• Early mornings (7–10 AM): cool, quiet, and peaceful — ideal for Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and the Sequoias.
• Late afternoon (4–7 PM): another gentle, less crowded window.

Avoid: 10:30 AM–3:00 PM. Mid-day crowds can be overstimulating.

🌄 2. Use Visual Schedules & Preview Photos

Before each day begins:
✔ Show photos of what you’ll see (Yosemite Falls, General Sherman Tree, etc.)
✔ Explain drive times and walking distances
✔ Create a simple “flow of the day”
 Morning activity → lunch → rest break → picnic → sunset

This helps anchor expectations and reduces anxiety.

🎧 3. Pack Sensory Supports

A few small items can make a huge difference:
• Noise-reducing headphones (waterfalls can be surprisingly loud)
• Sunglasses (mountain light is intense)
• Weighted hoodie or compression shirt
• Chewable jewelry or fidgets
• Favorite snacks (food options inside the park are limited)

Yosemite Valley can echo with wind, water, and voices — having sensory tools on hand is a lifesaver.

The Real Power of Gratitude

Because it’s Thanksgiving time, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude — not the Pinterest-perfect, “just think happy thoughts” kind, but the kind Dr. Vaughn Worthen talks about in a podcast I heard this week. The kind that is honest, grounded, and healing, even when life feels heavy.

Dr. Worthen explains that as humans, we’re wired with something called a negativity bias. Our brains naturally notice danger, threats, and hard things first. It’s why difficult moments seem to stick to us longer than the good ones. If we only live from that place, happiness can feel out of reach.

But here’s the twist: the good actually outweighs the bad in our lives — we just don’t always see it unless we intentionally look. Gratitude helps us adjust our eyes.

Gratitude Doesn’t Pretend Life Is Easy

Dr. Worthen is clear: gratitude is not toxic positivity. It doesn’t ask us to deny our struggles, ignore pain, or slap on a fake smile.

Instead, gratitude teaches that multiple things can be true at the same time:

• We can be hurting and grateful.

• We can have doubt and faith.

• We can carry hard things and still see the small mercies God places in our path.

Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard — it simply gives us something solid to hold onto while we walk through it.

Why Gratitude Matters So Much

Research shows that gratitude:

• Strengthens relationships

• Improves sleep and physical health

• Increases empathy and forgiveness

• Reduces anxiety and social comparison

• Helps us access positive memories

• Builds resilience and contributes to post-traumatic growth

• Deepens spirituality and our sense of connection to God

It’s one of those “small and simple” things that truly shifts everything.

Gratitude makes space for the whole truth — the good and the hard — without letting the hard dominate the story.

The Heart of It All

Gratitude isn’t about being fake or pretending life is all bliss. It’s about choosing to see and focus on the blessings instead of the burden. Gratitude helps us rise above trials and shine through them.

Hopefully, we will think about gratitude not just during Thanksgiving, but make it a daily practice — noticing even a few things each day that remind us of God’s goodness.

Start Small: The Rose–Rose–Thorn–Bud Practice

I invite you to try a simple exercise Dr. Worthen teaches (great for adults and kids):

• Rose: One good thing from today

• Rose: Another good thing

• Thorn: Something that was hard

• Bud: Something you’re looking forward to/

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