The Language of Lack vs. the Language of Abundance (examples)
What if, despite your best intentions, you're anchoring to struggle, scarcity and survival?
You’re doing all the things. Writing in the journal. Making the vision board. Whispering thank you through tears. Trying to find the lesson in the chaos. You’ve practiced gratitude. You were told it was the key to manifesting.
And still—your nervous system is in collapse. Your soul is stuck in the swamp.
Because too often, gratitude as it’s practiced today is performative. A caption. A checklist. A platitude. It doesn’t touch the core of you. It bypasses pain, reinforces scarcity, and demands emotional dishonesty— asking you to smile through the ache, to ignore the telltale signs that you’re not being renewed or regenerated.
You’re not ungrateful. You’re exhausted from pretending.
So I’m inviting you to stop being grateful—and instead, consider appreciation.
And this isn’t just wordplay. Changing your language is more than semantics. At a vibrational level, it’s a realignment. A reclamation. And biologically? It makes sense too.
The Badass Biohack
It might sound a little wonky, but it’s rooted in neuroscience. When you change a habit—even something as simple as your language—you activate your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS). That’s the part of your brain that decides what to notice and what to ignore. It filters your reality based on what you focus on.
When you change the words you use, you wake up your brain. You signal it to unlearn what no longer serves—like the language of lack—and replace it with what does: the language of abundance. That shift rewires your neural pathways, reshapes your emotional patterns, and opens the door to new possibilities.
So how does this relate to using appreciation instead of gratitude?
I’ll explain that in a moment. But first, I want you to know—this isn’t semantics or theatrics for me. I changed my life by changing my language, and therefore my patterns of thinking and showing up.
For example, I was a single mom, navigating trauma, legal battles, and the kind of exhaustion that seeps into your bones. And although I practiced gratitude like a good spiritual soldier, trying to coax joy out of chaos, deep down I was wondering why my manifestations weren’t manifesting. And I was angry. I was envious. I was hurt.
Then I discovered appreciation—and everything changed.
I must give credit to Abraham Hicks, who said: “Gratitude is looking back at a struggle and feeling relief. Appreciation is being in the now and feeling empowered.”
And if you still want more info on the differences energetically, and more, you can read more here.
Let’s Make this Real with Real Examples
When I finally acknowledged the subtle—but powerful—difference between gratitude and appreciation, I didn’t just think about it. I practiced it.
I started shifting my language five years ago, and got fiercely intentional about it three years back. Every time I wanted to say “thank you,” “I’m grateful,” or “I should be thankful,” I paused… and chose different words.
I changed my language from one of lack to one of abundance. From survival to expansion. From gratitude to appreciation.
Now it’s your turn. Below are examples to help you see the subtle differences.
The Language of Lack
“I’m just grateful they gave me a chance.” → Implies you weren’t worthy of the opportunity on your own merit.
“I’m thankful I finally got what I needed.” → Focuses on past deprivation rather than present abundance.
“I should be grateful because it could’ve been worse.” → Centers on fear and comparison, not alignment or joy.
“I owe them so much, I’m forever grateful.” → Suggests indebtedness rather than empowered reciprocity.
“I’m grateful I survived.” → Honors resilience but can anchor you in trauma rather than transformation.
The Language of Appreciation
Now, reframe each statement using appreciation instead. Feel—literally feel—in your body how the words land differently. Sense them. Savor it. Feel the shift as you experience how appreciation is expansive, empowering, and aligned with Source.
“I appreciate the opportunity!” → Declares worthiness and readiness.
“I appreciate that my needs are always met.” → Anchors you in trust and abundance.
“I appreciate that it all worked out.” → Focuses on flow and alignment.
“I appreciate the support I receive from those around me.” → Honors connection without obligation.
“I appreciate my life!” → Celebrates the now and opens the door to more possibilities and surprises.
More than Semantics
Do you feel this shift? The difference?
This isn’t just wordplay. Changing your language is a daily practice and a vibrational alignment.
So now, the invitation: Start noticing your words. Start feeling your body. Start choosing the language of appreciation on purpose, with power, and with presence.
If this stirred something in you… if you’re ready to explore how this shift can ripple through your relationships, your work, your joy, and your next chapter—then let’s go deeper.
Join me.
In coaching.
In community.
In conversation.
Let’s make appreciation your new language of YES.
