I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude. Brené Brown

Gratitude has the knack of transforming everything, be it good, bad, or ugly, into a gift. Life is often made into a battleground when it was intended to be a playground. Appreciation has a way of brightening all the aspects of life, and Thanksgiving is a way of saying yes to life. If all you want is a break from stress and a little calm in your crazy world, you’ve forgotten there‘s so much more than getting away from it all.

Waking up with grace and gratitude for the newness of a day is a blessing. Don’t get caught in the cruel memories of the past but instead, face each day with a joyous soul. Expect all to be blessed, and if not, grateful to be the one who gets to bring blessings to the playground. Just to be able to do the next right thing is a blessing, and to be thankful for the chance to do that alone is a gift. You may not feel as if you have all the tools to be the blessing, but you’ve always had enough. Be grateful that your path has prepared you for your life’s work and whatever’s next. Your appreciation could very well be the game changer for someone who’s watching you without you knowing it.

Spiritual Contemplation: Go to sleep, and upon waking, take time to contemplate all the things you have to be grateful for. During the day, doodle out a gratitude list and keep it handy on your desk so you can keep expanding it.

Affirmation: I am grateful!