Do the holiday blues ever get to you?

Being away from my sisters and all the family I grew up with until I was 15 years old back in El Salvador has brought up all kinds of emotions for me every holiday season.

For the first 15 years living in the US I only had a work visa which didn’t allow me to travel out of the country or I would risk loosing it and not being able to get back. Each year I try and prepare more and more mentally and emotionally so I can be present and enjoy it with my family and remember that I’m able to go back and see my family now but I can’t help but miss them 🙏

I feel so lucky and grateful for the family I have now and for all the amazing times and blessings of the seasons here. Still, the holiday season always brings up memories and feelings of all those I love so much and want to give my time and love to, but who may be far away or no longer here.

Leaning into the power and magic of gratitude when I feel down or depressed has been one of the most powerful tools to get through emotional ups and downs.

That’s why I felt inspired to create this design as part of my collection with an important reminder for all of us...

The timing of revealing part 4 of my art collection is special as we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

My wish is for my art and story to inspire you to find your own gratitude practice every day.

In this post inspired by my art design, I share my ideas to bring gratitude into action, my journey through anxiety and depression, and how this practice changed my life, plus a little science-backed research on gratitude.

My Path through Anxiety and Depression

I honestly didn’t realize how little I understood trauma, anxiety, and depression—or their impact on my life—until I had Salvador at 37 years old.

I wasn’t myself, and though things started well at first, it became harder and harder to understand what was happening. I felt alone, overwhelmed by dark feelings and thoughts that affected not only me but my home, my kids, and my relationships. My insides felt like they were screaming for help, and I couldn’t get out of it.

The turning point came when I couldn’t control my sadness and anger, which kept building without release. I became desperate and disappointed in myself for not being able to control these outbursts and how I was hurting myself.

I realize how lucky I am to have a patient and understanding partner who encouraged me to get the help I needed.

After months of therapy, including CBT and cognitive therapy, a small dose of medication, and lots of inner work, I built a toolbox for myself with my therapist’s help. Today, I’m on the other side, with a much better understanding of myself.

I’m so proud of all the work I’ve put into getting to this point, where I could taper off the medication and feel my true self in everyday life without anxiety and depression weighing me down.

I still have down days, but they’re fewer and far between because I’m learning to catch myself before my body goes into full fight-or-flight mode, which once drained so much of my energy and emotion.

From the many tools in my box, outside of breathing exercises, having a gratitude practice has been one of the most impactful. On tough days, it helps me shift my perspective and feelings for the better.

Dealing with our emotions is one of the hardest parts of being human. I believe life wants us to free ourselves from labels like "depression" and get the help we need to move forward and feel happier.

Gratitude is there to help shift our emotions and thoughts for the better.

This postpartum experience reminded me that we’re never alone and are always supported by something greater than we can ever understand.

Life wanted me to have tools I never knew I could have, so I’d remember I can get through anything. And I know it wants the same for you.

A Little Research on the Science of Gratitude

Did you know we can change the molecular structure of our brains, and that gratitude can help? A Harvard study even suggests that giving thanks can make us happier!

“Most studies published on this topic support an association between gratitude and an individual's well-being.”

Backed by neuroscience research, the expression of gratitude can increase levels of the brain’s feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—all crucial for mood regulation.

“Overall, science has shown us that gratitude can help us lead a healthier life. Still, we will likely have to work on overcoming a natural cognitive bias to unlock its full potential.”

This design is one of the most powerful messages my art has given me, and it's here for anyone looking for a more peaceful and healthier body, mind, and soul.

The best part is that gratitude is free and readily available to all of us—and now we have science to back up its benefits!

Lean into Gratitude with These Ideas to Bring Gratitude into Action

1. A Simple Tool - Keep a notebook or gratitude journal by your bed to write three things you’re grateful for at the end of the day. My Purposeful Dreamer Lean into Gratitude notebook can help you get started and remember.
2. What Can I Be Thankful for When I’m Struggling? - When it’s hard to find something, start with simple things: the sun rising, breathing another day, or loved ones who are still with us.
3. Start the Day with Gratitude - The moment you open your eyes, declare gratitude. Begin your day this way, no matter what’s happening in your life, and see your perspective transform.
4. Stack Your Gratitude Practice - Pair it with something you’re already doing, like a morning coffee, to naturally build it into your routine.

Remember, what we practice grows stronger. 💪 A gratitude practice not only makes us happier and healthier but builds resilience and keeps life in perspective.

I can say, with confidence, that I can find strength and joy again and again when I LEAN INTO GRATITUDE. It’s easy to realize we’re blessed when we notice the present moment, like breathing, walking, or having our loved ones with us.

Gratitude is one of the highest vibrational frequencies, as Dr. Wayne Dyer and other amazing authors suggest.

To me, it feels like a protective, beautiful shield that strengthens us to face life’s challenges. It’s a magical energy that reminds us of what’s truly important.

By shopping in my store, you help my small business and make my dreams come true for me and my family, and I truly appreciate it with all my heart.

Click here to check out all the available products featuring my Lean Into Gratitude design, now available for purchase! FREE SHIPPING is temporarily available!

With much love and gratitude,

Karina Hines
Purposeful Dreamer

I am not compensated or affiliated with the resources shared here. This information and the links shared on this post are my own personal experiences and lessons to share with my artwork and writing along with my products I create and produce myself, by shopping in my online store, you are supporting my small woman owned business.