Robin Roberts shares her secrets to staying joyful

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts is known for her contagious smile and a radiant positivity that helps millions of Americans start their day on the right foot. But behind the scenes, her upbeat outlook and strength of character have carried her through devastating losses, heartache and illness. And through it all, the veteran journalist and author has embraced every challenge life has thrown her way. Here, Robin shares her secrets to staying joyful and finding true peace

Robin Roberts is no stranger to an early morning. On weekdays, while most of the country is still asleep, she wakes up at 4 am and relies on one thing to help start her day right: gratitude. “I’m so grateful to open my eyes and begin a new day!” she tells

Woman’s World. And for Robin, every new day is like a box of chocolates —it may bring the chance to interview a celebrity, politician or survivor of a tragedy from her anchor seat at the Good Morning America desk, and it could be filled with joy or tears. But come what may, Robin knows every experience, good or bad, is both a lesson and a blessing. “I am so inspired by the poem

I Walked a Mile With Pleasure by Robert Browning—my mother used to quote it to me when I was having a bad day,” she recalls with a smile. “The poem’s message of walking with your sorrow and learning from it and seeing it as a gift is so powerful.” Despite the upbeat attitude that she shares with millions of viewers each day, Robin’s trials have been numerous. From the loss of her parents to the devastation of her hometown of Pass Christian, Mississippi, in Hurricane Katrina, to a diagnosis of breast cancer and then a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome just five years later, Robin has faced many kinds of pain and fear.

Yet gratitude has also been the key to surviving and thriving, both personally and professionally. “I’m so grateful that from a young age, my parents taught me ‘this too shall pass,’” says Robin. “That helped me become the thriver I am today!”

Driven to help and inspire others to overcome challenges and heartache too, Robin started a “Thriver Thursday” series on GMA in the hopes of providing comfort to those facing health or personal crises. “When you’re in the trenches of your struggle, you don’t want to feel like you’re alone,” she says. “If someone told me I’d go through all I have and still find joy, I’d never have believed them. But here I am, joy-filled and loving life.” Here, Robin shares how she stays optimistic and fills each day with hope—no matter what!