Gratitude

Yesterday I was chatting with my sister on the phone. We talked a little about how the economic downturn seems to be affecting emotions and attitudes causing some to despair or get a little depressed. Between our nation's elections and its financial state, it's a wonder we haven't all dug a hole for ourselves and climbed in to get away from it all.

My sister shared some information that she heard at church from one of her friends that is considered their congregation's "resident therapist." The class was apparently talking about this very subject and the therapist gave some suggestions on how to be positive during these trying times. First, she suggested turning off the TV -- specifically the news. One needn't be a genius to figure out the benefit in that simple act. She then gave the following advise and I thought I would pass it on to you. At the end of each day ask yourself these three questions. You might even want to write the answers to these questions in a daily journal.

1.) What surprised me today?
2.) What moved me or touched me today?
3.) What inspired me today?

I loved this idea. I can truly see that by concentrating on these positive questions, you would start and end each day with a more grateful, happy heart. It's a different twist to a gratitude journal, but I think the end result would be similar... a more positive outlook on life. Just a thought...