Jeannie Gaffigan is a comedy writer, producer and actress. She's also mom to five kids with husband and comedian Jim Gaffigan. She's also, also the author of a new book, When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith and Funny People.
Her heartfelt, funny and inspirational debut is about her shocking diagnosis, in 2017, of a pear-size brain tumor. A ten-hour surgery, a dangerous brush with pneumonia and many months of recovery later, Gaffigan is tumor-free, feeling better and taking her experience in stride.
When she stopped by the PureWow office recently, we had to ask how she keeps it all together with so much on her plate. Her favorite self-care strategy? Ten minutes of reflection each and every day.
"I'm taking some time in the morning, and before I go to sleep at night, to experience gratitude," she told us. "So, it might be, like, 'Thank you that I woke up this morning,' 'Thank you for the children that I have,' 'Help me listen to what I need today.'"
She stresses that, especially in the morning, before the craziness of the day, it's crucial to take a moment to be grateful that you woke up and prepare your mind for the rest of the day.
"Just understanding that you're about to face your day, and right now, you're alone, you're not taking care of anyone but yourself," she explains. "And I would challenge people to do the exact same thing at night and say, 'thank you for this day.'"
Calling her practice a kind of spiritual self-care, she admits that sticking to it has actually helped her live better.
Ten minutes a day to recognize all the great things in your life? Sounds good to us. Now to grab a copy of that book…
