Walking Into The Morning: The Daily Practice Of Gratitude For Another Day

 

I feel incredibly grateful to live in West Vancouver right by the ocean.  It is magical. Every morning, I lace my shoes and head out to the seawall. No music, no distractions, just the ocean and me.  I stop for a moment, take a deep breath in and almost feels like good ocean ions are dancing in my lungs.

 

As I walk, I listen. The waves brushing against the rocks, The birds calling out as they are saying good morning too.  The world slowly waking up to the new day.

 

Walking is not just the exercise It is a moving prayer. A quiet thank you. Each step is the reminder that I woke up today, that my legs work, my heart is beating.  I am here right now:  alive, breathing, witnessing another sunrise.

 

 

Some mornings are sunny, some grey.  Some rainy and cold. But every walk is a blessing.  A ritual of gratitude that grounds me before the day begins.

 

I do not need a perfect day. I just need this moment. And the seawall always gives it.

 

 

With the ocean beside me, and the sky above I truly notice the gift of another day.

 

 

 

 

AFFIRMATION

 

As I Take Each step, I Walk In Gratitude. Today Is A New Beginning. Today Is A  Sacred Opportunity To Live, Love, And Give Thanks.

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi 

Living And Breathing Fitness: The Daily Practice Of Gratitude As My Lifeline

 

I live and breathe fitness.  It has been my biggest lifeline for most of my adult life.  My foundation of strength.  It keeps me grounded no matter what life throws my way.  Every day, I commit to this ritual not because I have but because it is the ultimate expression of my gratitude for my body and my discipline.

It starts with simple yet profound gesture taking the stairs down to the gym in my apartment building.  As I descend each step, I say aloud: Good Lord thank you for the gift of discipline! These words set the tone for everything that follows.  Discipline is a gift, not a burden.

It is the bridge between intention and action, and I never ever take it for granted.

 

Gym is not just a workout space it is my sanctuary.  From strength training to cardio I move with purpose, I am fully present, No distractions, Focused on the whole-body workout.

 

Core exercises are my favourite.  This is where mind and body come together in the most powerful way. I close my eyes and meditate. It is not just about crunches or planks. It is about feeling every muscle, every movement, every breath.  It is a reminder of how incredible the human body is, not just for its strength but for its ability to carry us through life, day after day.

 

It Is A Temple Of The Holy Spirit.

 

This daily ritual keeps me grounded, focused and strong physically, mentally, and emotionally as well. It is a reminder that true strength does not come from weights you lift, but from the discipline, gratitude and love you pour into every moment. 

 

So, here is my message to you: find your lifeline! Find something that makes you feel alive, connected, and powerful. And when you do find it, show up for it every day!

Live It! Honour It! Thank It!

 

The greatest gift we can give ourself it is the commitment to grow stronger, one step, one workout, one day, one hour at the time!

Stay Disciplined!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Strong!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Grateful!

AFFIRMATION

 

 

My Body Is A Vessel Of Strength And Gratitude. With Every Breath And Every Movement, I Honor The Life Flowing Through Me.

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi 

Pressed With Purpose: The Daily Practice of Gratitude in the Ironing Board

Each morning, as the steam rises from my iron, I feel like something shifts, not just in my clothes but in my mindset. Ironing may seem like a mundane, insignificant task to many, but to me it is quiet ritual of order, intention, and gratitude.

 

There is something deeply comforting about this simple act of preparing my clothes for a day. As I glide the iron across each wrinkle, I feel like I am gently soothing out creases of my own thoughts. The heat, the steam, the rhythm, the repetitive strokes, it is almost meditative. I never rush; I allow the moment to ground me.

 

Ironing reminds me that I am showing up for myself. It tells the universe:  I care about how I present myself.  On my own terms, I am not waiting for the day to happen to me, I am preparing for it. Each top, each pair of slacks, each dress becomes a symbol of readiness, neatness, and self respect.  As the fabric transforms from wrinkled to smooth, so does my energy.

 

Ironing connects me to my mother.   I cherish the memory of our Sunday afternoons, when Mom and I ironed together, preparing clothes for whole week. We even ironed all the sheets and towels. Everything was so neat, so perfect.

 

Lots of people think about ironing as mundane chore.  I see it as daily practice presence and preparation. It is a reminder that beauty and order often begin with the smallest acts. In today’s world, in all the chaos, all the wars, all the evil disturbing as relentlessly, I still have a power to choose to pause, pause, breathe in the steam, stay present in the moment, and begin the day with the calm, clarity, self-respect and grace.  There is nothing more powerful than starting the day with feeling put together, inside out. It is a quiet act of love and gratitude for another day, for myself for the energy I want to bring to the world.

AFFIRMATION

 

 

Each Press Smooths Away The Wrinkles Of Yesterday. I Am Grateful For The Grace In Simple Tasks That Bring Beauty To My Day.

 

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi 

My Mirror Ritual Of Love: The Daily Practice of Gratitude In Embracing Myself For Over 10 Years

 

Every morning after I step out of the shower, the mirror in my bathroom is steamed up and foggy. But to me, it is not just condensation, it is a canvas for one of the most powerful rituals of my life.

For over a decade now, I have been writing three simple words on that steamed-up glass:

“Aphroditi,

I love you unconditionally.”

And I draw a heart. Always. Then I look myself in the eyes and say it aloud. This might sound small, but this daily act has completely transformed my relationship with myself.

How It All Started

I began this ritual during one of my classic staycations at the Pinnacle Hotel in North Vancouver, my favorite little escape when I need to recharge. I remember it so clearly. I had just come out of the shower, the mirror was fogged up, and for the first time in a long time, I looked at myself and thought, “You need love from you.”

So, I wrote the words: “Aphroditi, I love you unconditionally.”

It felt a little awkward at first. But something in me softened. I drew a heart next to it, took a breath, and said it aloud. It was like hearing the words I had been longing for but coming from me. That moment sparked a daily ritual since which I have never skipped.

Why I Do It

This mirror ritual is more than just a feel-good moment, it is a sacred practice that helps me ground myself, especially on the tough days. And trust me, I have had many. But no matter what is happening in my life, whether I am prepping for a stand-up show, hosting an episode of Wellness Fridays With Aphroditi, or just figuring out if I can afford to Uber or need to take the bus again, I show up for this practice.

Here is what it has given me:

• Self-Connection: Looking myself in the eyes and saying those words brings me back to who I am, just me, reminding myself that I am enough.
• Energy Shift: When I speak love to myself first thing in the morning, it changes the way I walk through the world. I feel more radiant, more centered, more alive.
• Inner Strength: On the days when I feel like I am failing, or like I am not “there” yet, this ritual reminds me I am worthy no matter what.

How You Can Try It

If you are reading this and thinking, “Okay Aphroditi, but I don’t even like looking in the mirror most days,” I hear you. I started this ritual when I did not feel beautiful or lovable either. That is the point. It is not about being perfect. It is about choosing to love yourself even when you do not feel like you deserve it.

Here is how I do it:

1. After your shower, when the mirror is fogged up, write the words “I love you unconditionally” with your finger.
2. Draw a heart. (Yes, even if you feel silly, especially then!)
3. Say it aloud. Look yourself in the eyes and speak with kindness. Let it land.
4. Repeat daily. Even on the messy days. Especially on the messy days.

This Is My Love Story

This mirror ritual is a daily reminder that the longest, most important relationship I will ever have is the one with myself. It is a love story that started the moment I chose to speak kindly to the woman in the mirror.

So, if you have been waiting for someone to tell you that you are worthy, let me be the first but also, let it be you. Write it. Say it. Feel it. And let that love guide everything else.

AFFIRMATION

 

 

I See Myself Through Eyes Of Love. I Am Grateful For The Person Staring Back At Me: Evolving, Radiant, And Whole.

 

 

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi 

The Sacred Gift Of Water: The Daily Practice Of Gratitude For Running Water

 

Every morning, as I step into the shower or sink into the bathtub, I begin with a simple, powerful ritual: I say:

Thank you for the water! Thank you for the shower! Thank you for the bathtub!

These words may seem small, but to me, they are rooted in a lifetime of memory, humility, and grace.

I cannot take water for granted, because I know what it means to live without it. Growing up, there was no running water waiting for me at the turn of a faucet. To bathe, cook, or even wash, I had to carry buckets from the well, sometimes several trips a day. When hot water was needed, I boiled it over the stove, waiting patiently for what so many others already had at their fingertips. That memory never left me.

So now, when warm water flows freely over my skin, it feels like both a blessing and a miracle. Every droplet is a reminder of how far I have come, from scarcity to abundance, from effort to ease. I know that millions of people in the world still live as I once did, and that truth deepens my gratitude.

The daily practice of gratitude for water is more than words, it is awareness. It is a recognition of the gifts we often overlook because they are constant, ordinary, expected. Yet nothing is ordinary about being able to wash away the night’s sleep in the comfort of a hot shower, or to sink into a bath that soothes both body and soul.

When I say thank you in those quiet moments, I am not just thanking the water. I am thanking life itself for teaching me resilience, for showing me contrast, and for allowing me to witness the beauty of the simple things. Gratitude makes the water feel softer, warmer, and more healing. It turns a routine into a ritual.

And so, each morning, I let gratitude flow with the water. It cleanses not only my body but also my mind and spirit.

 

AFFIRMATION

 

I Honor The Sacred Flow Of Water: Cleansing, Healing, And Sustaining Me. Each Drop Reminds Me Of Life’s Endless Blessings.

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi 

 

The Power Of A Perfectly Made Bed: The Daily Practice Of Gratitude And Self-Respect

 

I used to underestimate the small things. Mornings were rushed, chaotic, and unorganized, a frantic scramble to get out the door. My bedroom, especially my unmade bed, reflected that disorder.

It was not until I started making my bed each morning, with precision and care, that I realized the profound impact such a simple act could have on my life.

The first time I made my bed perfectly, it felt like a small victory. I tucked the sheets neatly, fluffed the pillows just so, and stepped back to admire the result. It was not about the bed, it was about creating a sense of order in a world that often feels unpredictable. That moment of quiet discipline set the tone for my day.

Over time, this small ritual became non-negotiable. No matter how busy or overwhelming life felt, I always began my day by making my bed. It became a symbol of stability, a reminder that I had control over at least one part of my world.

At first, it seemed insignificant. Why make my bed when I was going to mess it up again in a few hours? But one day, I decided to try it. I smoothed out the sheets, aligned the pillows just so, and stepped back to admire the crisp, orderly result. For the first time in a while, I felt a sense of calm and accomplishment before my day had even begun.

This simple ritual became my anchor. No matter what chaos awaited me, I knew I had control over how my day started. Making my bed brought a sense of stability to my mornings, a tiny win that set the tone for everything else.

As time went on, the impact rippled outward. I noticed I was more productive, more intentional with my time, and, surprisingly, more grateful. Each time I walked into my room during the day, the sight of my perfectly made bed felt like a gift, a reminder that I was capable of creating beauty and structure, even in the smallest ways.

Now, as I make my bed each morning, I think of it as an act of gratitude: for the rest I have had, for the day ahead, and for the opportunity to begin again. It is proof that even the simplest rituals can bring order to a busy life and remind us that stability often starts with the little things.

AFFIRMATION

 

In Creating Order, I Create Peace. My Neatly Made Bed Reflects The Harmony And Respect I Hold For Myself And My Home.

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi Dinatis 

A Prayer That Transformed My Life: The Daily Practice Of Gratitude In Every Word

Every morning when I wake up, I talk to God and recite my own prayer that goes like this:

Good Lord, Thank You For My Life.
Thank You For Another Day.
Thank You For All The Blessings.
Thank You For All The Gifts.
Thank You For All The Lessons.
Please Let Me Be The Best I Can Be With Everything You Have Given Me,
For Your Glory!
Alleluia!

When I started reciting this prayer daily over 10 years ago, I had no idea how deeply it would transform me.

At first, it was just a way to remind myself how blessed I am to be alive, despite all the challenges, obstacles, and traumas. It was a way to remain humble and give all the glory to God. But over time, this little prayer became a source of strength, clarity, and purpose.

It grounds me and reminds me that everything is a gift. Even on the most challenging days, when life feels overwhelming and suffering seems unbearable, saying these words brings me comfort and completely shifts my focus.

 

AFFIRMATION

 

My Words Carry Power, Love, And Gratitude. 

Every Prayer Realigns Me With Grace

And The Life I Am Meant To Live.

 

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi Dinatis 

A Sacred Morning Ritual: The Daily Practice Of Gratitude In Starting My Day With God

 

Every day, before the world wakes up and the noise begins, I choose to start my morning with God. This sacred hour, filled with prayer, worship, and the quiet beauty of Mass is where I find peace, strength, and the healing I need to continue.

Since losing both of my parents last year, mornings have taken on an even deeper meaning. Grief has a way of arriving uninvited, pressing on your chest before you have even opened your eyes. But I have learned to rise with intention, to bring that ache to the altar, to offer it up in prayer, and to allow God’s presence to meet me right where I am.

I begin with a simple thank you. No matter how heavy my heart feels, I remind myself that waking up is a gift. I speak to God like I would to a friend, some mornings through tears, other mornings with deep gratitude. This hour is mine and His. It is where I lay everything down.

 

 

AFFIRMATION

 

 

 

 

Each Morning, I Awaken In Divine Partnership With God.

 

My First Breath Is A Thank You

 

My First Thought A  Prayer Of Trust And Love

With Love And Gratitude,

Aphroditi Dinatis  

Wellness Fridays With Aphroditi Weekly Dose Of Wellness Podcast

 

Hello, Welcome To My Podcast Wellness Fridays With Aphroditi Weekly Dose Of Wellness 

 

Welcome to Wellness Fridays With Aphroditi!

I’m your host, Aphroditi Dinatis—Wellness Influencer and Your Guide to the best wellness spots in Vancouver.  Every Friday, we dive into the world of wellness, exploring local gems that help you feel your best—mind, body, and soul.

From rejuvenating spa treatments to fitness studios and smoothie bars,  I’m bringing you exclusive insights into the city’s top wellness experiences.   In each episode I will share my perspective on wellness—mixing humor, heart, and local hidden gems. I will  showcase my favorite places to relax, rejuvenate. You can expect candid reviews,  insightful tips and occasional  humor. And here’s the best part: as a listener, you get special perks! Thanks to my amazing collaborations with Vancouver’s finest wellness businesses, you can enjoy exclusive discounts using my promo code DINATIS10 when you book or shop with our featured partners.

 

Stay Tuned Everyone!

Please Follow Me On My Social Media Platforms 

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

100 Squats A Day Challenge: Squatting For A Cause

 100 Squats a Day Challenge: Squatting for a Cause

Hello, everyone!

This February, I’ve embarked on a meaningful journey: the 100 Squats A Day Challenge. For 28 days straight, I’ll be pushing myself to complete 100 squats daily. But this isn’t just about fitness—it’s about making a difference. I’m taking on this challenge to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Why This Challenge?

Cancer impacts so many lives, including those of friends, family, and loved ones. By participating in this challenge, I hope to not only raise donations for vital cancer research and support programs but also inspire others to take action in their communities.

Tracking the Journey

From sore legs to small victories, I’m sharing every step of this journey across my social media platforms:

• YouTube: Watch my daily updates and squat routines, and follow along with tips and motivation to stay consistent. Subscribe here!
• Instagram: Catch behind-the-scenes moments, progress shots, and my daily reflections in my stories and posts. Follow me here!
• Facebook: Join the conversation, cheer me on, and learn how you can get involved in the challenge. Connect with me here!
  
  
  

How You Can Support

• Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute to the Canadian Cancer Society through my dedicated fundraiser link here.
• Spread the Word: Share my posts and encourage your friends and family to get involved.
• Join the Challenge: It’s not too late to start! Let’s squat together for a great cause.

Let’s make February a month of strength, community, and impact. Thank you for supporting me on this journey. Together, we can take a stand—one squat at a time.

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s crush this challenge!

#100SquatsADay , #CanadianCancerSociety,  #SquattingForACause