Many of you may know, and some of you may not, the story behind why I chose the name “The Grateful VA” for my business.
Initially, my first choice was “The Virtual Pearl”—I thought it would make a fun and creative logo.
The name was available on Sunbiz, so I went ahead and registered an LLC. But when it came time to purchase the domain, I found out the website name was already taken—and repurchasing it would cost $1,200.
After seeking advice from a SCORE business coach and exploring my options, I realized it was better to move forward with a new name.
Though it took me longer to come up with a second choice, I finally decided on “The Grateful VA.”
At that time, gratitude was overflowing in my life: gratitude for the chance to build a business that allowed me to help support our farm and ministry work, to work remotely so I could also be present for my older autistic brother, to have flexibility in my hours, and to have found a mentor, Belinda Sandor of The VA Connection, who guided me through the early stages.
Most of all, I was grateful to God for giving me the courage to pursue something I never thought I’d do—start a business of my own.
Gratitude has truly shaped both my personal and professional journey, and I share this story because it ties directly into today’s topic: The power of gratitude in life and business.
With the permission of Jerry and Kathy Rauch of A Harvest of Health, I’d like to share a recent email they sent.
Their words capture the importance of gratitude beautifully, and I hope they encourage you as much as they encouraged me.
“What if one simple practice could transform your emotional well-being in just minutes a day?
It’s gratitude—and the science behind it is remarkable.
When we practice gratitude regularly, we train our attention on the good already present in our lives.
This creates a ripple effect of positive emotions: more optimism, greater enthusiasm, more profound love for others, genuine joy in small moments, and happiness that doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances.
Gratitude also acts as a shield against destructive emotions. When focused on appreciation, there’s no room for envy, greed, bitterness, or resentment. It helps us see abundance where we once saw scarcity.
Ready to start? Here are two simple ways:
Keep a Gratitude Journal. Divide your journal into two sections:
- Section 1: Write three things you’re grateful for, 2-3 times per week (anything from sunny skies to friendships to positive work events)
- Section 2: Write one thing daily that went well and explain how it blessed you. For example – “When I told my husband I would be home late from work, he brought dinner home from the local diner. It was such a relief not to have to prepare a late meal!”
Write a Gratitude Letter. Think of someone who positively impacted your life. Write them a heartfelt letter expressing appreciation for what they’ve done and how it affected you.
Send it or keep it private—either way, the act of writing fills your heart with warmth.
The beautiful thing about gratitude?
It costs nothing, takes little time, and benefits begin immediately—no special training or expensive tools needed—just a willing heart and a few minutes daily.
If you’d like to learn more, check out our Stabilize These Emotions (Part I) Module, part of the Free to be Well program, which offers practical guidance and includes the Personal Health Transformation Guide for lasting change.
All proceeds go to Loving Shepherhttps://loving-shepherd.org/d Ministries, Intl, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that serves vulnerable children worldwide.
To Your Best Health,
Jerry and Kathy Rauch
A Harvest of Health” 1
Gratitude doesn’t require perfection, money, or even much time—it simply requires presence and a willing heart.
It has the power to shift our perspective, strengthen our resilience, and fill our lives with joy, no matter the circumstances.
My prayer is that you’ll find ways to weave gratitude into your daily rhythm and experience the peace and abundance it brings in your life and your business.
