Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude is often thought of as saying thank you for the good things in life. The people who encourage us. The opportunities that come our way. The moments of success we celebrate.

But I believe gratitude runs much deeper than that.

True gratitude isn't just about appreciating what went well. It's also about recognising that some of life's greatest gifts arrive disguised as disappointment, rejection or failure.

Looking back over my own journey, there are countless people I am grateful to. My family and friends who stood beside me. Coaches who believed in me. Teammates, support staff, volunteers and sponsors who helped me chase a dream that, at times, seemed impossible.

Without them, I would never have stood on a Paralympic podium.

But there are others I'm grateful for too.

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I found my way into para rowing. Our crew worked incredibly hard and competed at the World Championships, finishing sixth in the world. Our crew had the worst race possible and it wasn’t a result we were proud of, But we thought given the chance to train more together we had a future moving forward.

Our crew that came 6th at the 2009 World Championships

Shortly afterwards, our coach decided he no longer wanted anything to do with our crew and we were dropped. At the time, it felt devastating. We had invested so much, only to have the opportunity taken away. Yet that disappointment became one of the biggest turning points of my life. It led me to para cycling.

Had I stayed in rowing, I may never have discovered the sport that would eventually take me to three Paralympic Games, nine World Championship titles and three Paralympic gold medals and a silver medal.

What felt like an ending was actually a new beginning.

That's why I can honestly say I'm grateful for that coach—not because of how things ended, but because his decision unknowingly redirected my future.

Life has a funny way of doing that.

Often, we only understand the value of an experience when we look back. The job we didn't get. The relationship that ended. The opportunity that disappeared. The person who doubted us.

In the moment, we question why.

Years later, we realise those moments were quietly preparing us for something better.

Gratitude changes how we see our past. Instead of carrying resentment, we can carry wisdom. Instead of replaying disappointment, we can recognise growth. Instead of asking, "Why did this happen to me?" we begin asking, "What did this make possible?"

That shift is incredibly powerful.

It doesn't mean pretending painful experiences were enjoyable or excusing people who treated us poorly. Some experiences genuinely hurt, and some people leave scars.

Gratitude simply allows us to stop giving those moments power over our future. We acknowledge what happened, learn from it and choose to focus on what it ultimately gave us.

I've often said that being diagnosed with MS became one of my greatest adversities, but it also became one of my greatest advantages. Without it, I would never have discovered para sport. I would never have become a Paralympian. I would never have met the incredible people who have enriched my life or had the privilege of inspiring others through my story.

I wouldn't have chosen MS. But I can still be grateful for where the journey has taken me. Gratitude doesn't erase hardship. It gives hardship meaning.

Perhaps that's why the happiest and most resilient people aren't those who have had perfect lives. They're the ones who have learned to find value in every chapter, even the difficult ones.

Today, take a moment to thank the people who have helped shape your journey. And while you're at it, perhaps thank the disappointments too.

They may have taken you somewhere you never expected—but exactly where you were meant to be.