Gratitude Is More Than a Feeling: Honoring God With Your Health | Gratitude Series, Part 1

What if caring for your health became an everyday expression of gratitude to God? In the first episode of our four-part Gratitude Series, Alexis Crisp explores the connection between faith, mindset, women’s fitness, and nutrition and how small, intentional choices can help us honor God with our health.

Reflecting on Zechariah 4:10 and Colossians 3:17, Alexis shares why small beginnings matter, why progress deserves celebration, and how gratitude can guide our movement, meals, and rest, even when the holiday season feels busy. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll start taking care of your health after the holidays, this episode offers encouragement to begin with one manageable action today.

In This Episode Recognizing everyday physical abilities as gifts worth caring for. Valuing small beginnings instead of overlooking your progress.

Choosing consistency without waiting for immediate results. Moving from “I should take better care of myself” to a specific, meaningful action.

Approaching nutrition by asking what nourishment you can add to your meals. Keeping movement simple and accessible during a busy season.

Turning intentions into scheduled actions you can follow through on. Your Flourishing Mindset Shift Instead of saying: “I should take better care of myself.” Ask: “What is the one way I can express gratitude through care today?” That care might look like a walk, a nourishing meal prepared at home, or going to bed at a reasonable time.

Gratitude can guide your choices even on days when you don’t feel your best. Practicing Gratitude Through Nutrition Alexis encourages us to consider what we can add to our plates to support our health.

The conversation includes being intentional about protein, fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and noticing added sugars, particularly in drinks. Meal preparation and grocery shopping can become opportunities to care for the life God has entrusted to us.

Five Simple Ways to Move With Gratitude Take a ten-minute walk. Notice your steps and appreciate what your body can do.

Practice chair sit-to-stands. Stand up from a sturdy chair five to ten times, choosing an approach that matches your abilities.

Try wall push-ups. Include a simple movement that engages your upper body.

Practice balance. Alexis refers back to the foot and ankle episode in the Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes series for ideas.

Make time for gentle mobility. Spend five minutes moving your shoulders, hips, and ankles through a comfortable range of motion.

Choose movements that suit your abilities and what is accessible to you. As Alexis reminds listeners, adapt movements when needed and seek professional guidance for pain or unusual symptoms.

Your Gratitude-in-Action Challenge Pause and name one physical ability you are thankful for today. Then choose one action that helps you care for that ability and put it on your calendar.

Make the commitment specific: “Today at [time], after [activity], I will [action].” For example: “Today at 4 p.m., after I finish work, I will walk for ten minutes.” Choose a time that fits your life. Give your intention a clear place in your day.

Scriptures Discussed Zechariah 4:10: A reflection on valuing small beginnings. Colossians 3:17: An invitation to bring thanksgiving into everyday words and actions.

Alexis reads from the Holman Christian Standard Bible and shares her personal reflections on applying these passages to caring for our health. You’re Invited: Free Live Zoom Workshop Don’t Wait for January: Your 2027 Wellness Plan Starts Now November 28 at 3 p.m.

ET Join Alexis to create a simple plan for your faith, mindset, fitness, and nutrition. You’ll leave with specific action steps you can begin using immediately—whether you’re getting started, rebuilding consistency, or refreshing your current routine.

Reserve your spot for the free workshop Personalized Fitness & Nutrition Coaching Looking for guidance and accountability as you put these ideas into practice? Learn more about Alexis’s online fitness and nutrition coaching at Well Women Flourish .

Keep Flourishing With Us Follow the Well Women Flourish Podcast for the rest of the Gratitude Series, including conversations about enjoying food during the holidays, making time for exercise, and beginning your wellness plan before the new year. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a woman who could use that encouragement today.

Keep flourishing in faith and in health.