AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

What are you hopeful for right now in this world?

More love from humanity, absolutely! Especially with the holidays upon us, I'm hopeful that we can all tap into that spirit of generosity and compassion. We've been through a lot, especially since the pandemic and its aftermath, and I think people are craving connection and kindness. I'm hopeful that we’ll take the time to truly appreciate each other and spread a little extra love this season.

What does love look like to you?

Love is about showing up for the people you care about, no matter what. It's about being present, offering support, celebrating their wins, and being a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Love is about creating a safe space where people feel seen and valued.

LeBrina, how do you incorporate the concept of gratitude into your daily life?

Gratitude is my secret weapon! Every morning, instead of reaching for my phone, I start my day by listing a few things I'm grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or the sound of my daughter laughing. Maybe it was my horse’s whinny of joy when I came to saddle him up and he knows a great ride is ahead. Or noticing my son working as hard on his homework as he does on the football field. Thinking of blessings like those helps me set a positive tone for the day and appreciate all the good in my life.

Why is that important to you? What do you get out of it?

Gratitude is like a reset button for my mind. It helps me shift my perspective from what's missing to what I already have. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters. And honestly, it just makes me feel happier and more content.

How can you encourage younger generations, kids to embrace this idea?

I think it starts with instilling an attitude of appreciation from an early age. Leading by example is key — kids learn by watching us express our own thankfulness. Create a culture of appreciation at home or in the classroom, encouraging kids to notice the good in their lives. Teaching them to say “thank you” sincerely, to be aware of other people’s feelings and to show kindness can go a long way.

Employees?

Building a culture of celebrating each other is key! Encourage your team to acknowledge wins, big or small, with shout-outs, thank-you notes, or even a fun team lunch. When people feel seen and appreciated, it boosts morale and creates a ripple effect of positivity that our guests can feel too. Lead by example and celebrate your team’s accomplishments!

How can someone incorporate a gratitude ritual into their lives?

It’s easier than you think! Start by literally scheduling a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. You can write it down in a journal, say it out loud, or just think about it quietly. It is a wonderful way to get in the mindset for your daily meditation time. Another idea is to incorporate gratitude into your existing routines, like saying what you’re grateful for before meals or when you tuck your little ones into bed.

What are you grateful for right now, at this very moment?

I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my thoughts on gratitude and hopefully inspire others to embrace it. I'm also incredibly grateful for my amazing family, my supportive friends, and my fantastic team at Escape Spa. And of course, I'm grateful for all of our wonderful guests who trust us to provide them with an escape from the everyday!