Gratitude
It can be difficult, during times of stress and crisis, to express our gratitude. In fact, it can be difficult to even think of things to be grateful for during those times. Being grateful is an important element to having a well balanced emotional state, and gratitude is like anything else: it comes easier when you practice it. I begin each day with either a quiet solitary walk, or some mindful reflection, during which I practice enumerating the things I am grateful for. As I have gotten better at gratitude, I have come to see challenges differently. It has become more clear to me that the especially challenging things that have confronted me are especially worthy of gratitude. This seems counter intuitive, but it is because of these challenges that I have become as strong as I am. The challenges have revealed my mettle and even helped me to hone and build it. Make gratitude one of your daily routines and spread the word.
One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.
