Practicing Gratitude

Start with one week.  Every morning when you wake up, think of three things for which you are grateful.

Bonus points: Select a new category each morning, ie. People, life experiences, possessions, physical characteristics of your body, holidays, teachers (school or life), etc.

As you go through the day, try to recognize each item you use and how much easier it makes your life.

Practice turning around frustrations:

• If you are frustrated that the traffic is going too slow, remind yourself to be grateful that you have a car, and don’t have to use public transportation.

• If you are annoyed by something not working how you want it to, remind yourself to be grateful that you have other options.

• If you are angry about someone else’s brash comments, remind yourself to be grateful for the value that person provides to your life.

• Even if you cannot think of something positive in a situation, you can always stop, take a deep breath, and be grateful that you are able to breathe and that your heart is still beating.