Take 1 minute at the beginning and end of each day to remember the things you’re thankful for.
Simple right? Perhaps simple enough to make you skeptical. Could such an obvious and easy thing really make a difference? I can only tell you that it works for me. Starting the morning with an “attitude of gratitude” helps me keep a healthy, positive focus throughout the day. Ending the evening by reminding myself of the good things in my life, even after a horrible day, helps me find some perspective and drift off to a more peaceful sleep.
Personally, I do this as part of a prayer but you can do it as a simple moment of reflection too. Here are a few categories to help you get going:
1. HEALTH – If you’re in reasonably good health and free from ongoing pain, that’s a win. Be thankful for it.
3. BASIC NEEDS MET – Do you have clean water to drink? Enough to eat? Clothes and a roof over your head? Congratulations. You are privileged. Millions around the world can’t say the same. Even in wealthy USA, recent natural disasters have robbed thousands of the basics. Be grateful.
4. RELATIONSHIPS – We’ve all heard it a hundred times because it’s true – family and friends add joy, richness and meaning to life. If you have them, be thankful. There are many who don’t.
5. A JOB – If you need one and you have one, celebrate. Even if it’s not a source of joy in your life, I’m guessing it beats the alternative. Whenever I’m frustrated with one of my jobs, I try to remember all the jobs other people do that I would absolutely hate. It makes me thankful for mine.
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