Many of the books and articles I read about health and happiness promote practicing gratitude as a way to bring more happiness and fulfillment into our lives. The authors often suggest keeping a daily gratitude journal to remind ourselves of all the good things in our lives, instead of always focusing on the bad things or what we think is missing.

I am terrible at expressing gratitude. (Just ask my husband!) I tend to dwell on what I think I lack — material things, accomplishments, physical attributes, etc. — and take for granted everything that I have and have done. So for today, I would like to remind myself of three things I am grateful for right now:

1. This beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon.
2. My dogs and cat that are spending this beautiful afternoon on the porch with me.
3. My good health, and the health of my friends and family — especially my 86 year-old mother. Her heart gave us a bit of a scare last month, but she’s doing great now and is still able to live on her own.

I know I have a lot to be thankful for. I’m quite spoiled, really! And I think that’s true for most of us. Gratitude is another habit that I need to practice every day, like writing, to keep myself focused and positive and moving in the right direction.

So what are you grateful for today?

~PEACE~