Maybe your boss is driving you crazy, or your spouse forgot to gas up the car, or the kids are fighting again. The bills need paid, the credit card is maxed out,  your mother-in-law wants to move in with you. It’s too hot or it’s too cold. Wars, politics, and tragedy dominate the news. The negatives jump out at us around every corner, snatching our attention and pulling us to the dark side. It’s time for a Gratitude Break.

Stop for just a second. Be grateful for this moment. At any moment during the day treat yourself to an appreciation of the present moment. Breathing deeply, say to yourself:  “Breathing in I relax, breathing out I smile.  This is a wonderful moment.” Be sure to smile as you breathe out. Research has shown that smiling causes positive physiological changes in the body.  Smiling to ourselves and others is a gift of love.

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus