I am the parent of two young men who recently came through our education system. In my opinion, we are failing our kids in so many ways—a conversation for another day.

Today, my focus is on the most powerful thing we can help our kids, and ourselves, embrace: our mindset. I don’t have all the answers, but I know a good place to start is with the Thrive Mindset.

The Thrive Mindset

T – Thankful

Learning to look for what we have to be grateful for shifts our perspective. Gratitude allows us to see the world through a lens of appreciation, even on the hard days.

H – Healthy

Mind, body, and soul—these are all connected. We must fuel our minds with knowledge, move our bodies, and honor them. Breathe. Talk to God. Meditate.

R – Resilient

We need room to fail so we can have the opportunity to get back up. Strength is built in those moments of challenge, and resilience is the foundation of growth.

I – Inspired

What lights us up? What fills our buckets? Every single one of us needs something that brings us joy, purpose, and energy.

V – Victorious

Life will absolutely bring challenges, but we have the ability to overcome them. Every obstacle we conquer builds our confidence and strength.

E – Evolving

We are always learning, growing, reflecting, and moving forward. Progress over perfection—always.

Embracing Our Superpowers

Grounding – Get back to nature, connect with the earth, breathe, meditate, pray. Simple actions that realign and center us.

Personal Responsibility – No matter what happens, we have the power to choose our next step. Sometimes, the next step is asking for help. Life can be hard, but when we embrace the “So What, Now What” mindset, we take our power back. No matter how difficult a situation is, we get to decide how we respond and move forward.

Gratitude – When we intentionally look for small glimmers of goodness, even in the darkest moments, it shifts our energy. It changes our experience of the world.

If these concepts were truly integrated into our education system and, more importantly, our homes, we would have a world with less pain, hate, blame, and hopelessness. Schools can play a role, but it starts with us. It starts with how we live, what we model, and the conversations we have.

It’s simple, but it’s not always easy. Especially on the hard days. But we can each commit to one small action every day and build from there. My hope is that these principles become the way we all navigate life. Imagine that world.

But it starts with one step. One heart at a time. Mine. Yours.

I’ll be honest—I have days when I struggle to fully embrace my own superpowers. We all do. And that’s okay. We’re human. But recognizing when we fall short and choosing to realign is the key. We always have a choice.

Why This Matters

My heart was called to write this today because over the weekend, one of my son’s best friends took his life. I write this with tears falling, wishing he knew what a beautiful light he was in this world. My son, Kyler said, “He was such a joy to be around.” It's hard to imagine how someone who brought so much joy could not feel it himself. 

I wish he knew he could turn to the people who loved him. I wish he knew it could get better. Our hearts are broken. I know he has found the peace he was seeking, and I pray for his family as they navigate every parent’s worst nightmare.

His life has given me an even stronger drive to make an impact—one heart at a time. Together, we can shine a light so bright that it guides others to do the same.

A Simple Invitation

Please join me today in telling at least seven people what you love about them. If you feel called, invite them to join our Thriver Tribe, but more than anything, take a moment to breathe, check in with yourself, and remind yourself what you love about YOU.

We can and must do better. And it starts now.

Much love and gratitude,

Zanna

Life moves forward, whether we embrace it or resist it. The past, present, and future are all connected, and how we approach each one shapes our journey. “Thank yesterday, love today, create tomorrow” is more than just a phrase—it’s a mindset that fosters gratitude, presence, and purpose.

Thank Yesterday: Lessons and Growth

The past is often a mix of triumphs, mistakes, joy, and hardship. While it’s easy to dwell on regrets or relive successes, the most constructive approach is gratitude. Every experience—good or hard—teaches something valuable.

Failures reveal weaknesses that need strengthening, while successes reinforce our abilities. Even painful moments build resilience and wisdom. Instead of resenting the past or getting lost in nostalgia, acknowledge it with appreciation. Thank yesterday for shaping you into the person you are today.

Love Today: Embrace the Present

The present is all we truly have. Too often, people rush through today, worrying about the future or regretting the past. But happiness isn’t found in what has been or what might be—it exists in the now.

Loving today means being fully engaged in the moment. It’s about appreciating small joys, being kind to yourself, and finding meaning in everyday experiences. It’s about choosing to focus on what you can control and making the most of the time you have. Living in the present with gratitude and intention leads to a more fulfilling life.

Create Tomorrow: Shape Your Future

The future isn’t something that just happens—it’s built by the choices you make today. Dreams don’t materialize on their own; they require effort, vision, and persistence.

Creating tomorrow means setting goals, taking action, and continuously learning. It means letting go of fear and embracing growth. It’s not about waiting for the “right time” but rather about starting where you are and moving forward with purpose.

The Balance of Past, Present, and Future

These three elements—gratitude for the past, presence in the now, and intention for the future—work together to create a meaningful life. If you only look back, you miss the opportunities of today. If you only focus on today, you risk stagnation. And if you only think about the future, you forget to enjoy the journey.

By thanking yesterday, loving today, and creating tomorrow, you cultivate a mindset of balance, growth, and fulfillment. Each day becomes a stepping stone, not just a passing moment. So embrace this philosophy and make the most of every day—because the life you want is built one moment at a time.

Bringing It All Together: Journaling and Life Buckets

To truly embrace this mindset, intentional reflection and action are key. Using a simple journaling exercise can help you integrate gratitude, mindfulness, and goal-setting into your daily routine.

Journal Prompt: Reflect, Embrace, and Build

1. Thank Yesterday – What is one lesson from your past that has helped shape who you are today? How can you express gratitude for it, even if it came from a difficult experience?

2. Love Today – What is something in your life right now that brings you joy or fulfillment? How can you be more present and appreciative of today’s moments?

3. Create Tomorrow – What is one step, no matter how small, that you can take today to create the future you desire?

Write freely, without judgment. Let these reflections guide you toward gratitude, mindfulness, and intentional action.

Filling the “Best Life” Buckets

Beyond journaling, think about your BEST LIFE BUCKETS (Dreams/Goals, Let It Go, Gratitude). A well-balanced life involves filling each bucket intentionally.

• Dreams & Goals (vision for the future, aspirations, long-term success)

• Let It Go (releasing what no longer serves you—grudges, fears, limiting beliefs)

• Gratitude (acknowledging and appreciating the good in your life)

Each day, ask yourself: Which bucket needs filling?  Some days, you might need to release stress and let go of something weighing you down, while other days, you may focus on setting new goals and every day recognizing what you are thankful for. By intentionally filling these buckets, you create a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

By combining the power of reflection, presence, and purposeful action, you can cultivate a life that honors your past, embraces the present, and builds a future you’re excited about. Thank yesterday, love today, and create tomorrow—one moment at a time.

Cheers,

Zanna