Things have been kinda rough around here the past couple of years as it has for many. Stress levels high and many sleepless nights with worry. One morning a couple of weeks ago I was having breakfast with Alina as we always do. I had noticed that the previous few days Alina was much more at ease and much happier than I have seen her in a long time. I told her it was nice to see her smile more as of late. She then told me that each morning when she wakes, she tells herself to be grateful. Simply be grateful for what she has. She then thinks of all the things she/we have to be grateful for and it makes her smile and the days troubles seem not so overwhelming. So, now I do the same. Each morning I tell myself, be grateful, and I run through all the things I have to be grateful for. I have a fantastic wife, three unbelievable sons, a roof over my head, a job and the friends I have made on CA. It's a simple thing to do, reminding yourself to be grateful, but life has a way of making it hard to see the forest for the trees sometimes.

The friendships that I have here have helped not only me but my family as well through some very stressful times. I have been fortunate to have met some of these people in person. However, many more (and some of the closest) I have yet to meet in person and I might not ever get the chance to shake their hand. That's okay, I'm grateful we have CA to help keep us close.

Give it a try one morning when you have had a bad few days and see if it makes your day any better.

Wishing each of you and yours the best that life has to offer.
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Well put, Al.

I have a motto which summarizes your post - "The glass is ALWAYS half full."
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:-)
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Very well put Al. As I like to say, "I'm too blessed to be depressed." :-)
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Times are difficult and most of us are distressed or depressed to some degree. Once in a while we are better to recognize the good friends and family we have as well admitting we are truly blessed to be as well off as we are.

Thanks for bringing the thought forward!:-)
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Having an attitude of gratitude always helps!
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Well said.
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Thanks once again Al, for bringing me down to earth buddy.:-)
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:-)
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:-):-):-)
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Glad to hear this.

I have taken a couple mottos.

1) When the glass is empty, that simply means it is waiting for you to fill it with what you want in it.

2) I vowed to make no more New Year's or Lenten Vows. I have kept those promises since 1995.

3) Take a moment each day to hug someone near you. When you discover how much THEY needed it, your issues pale in comparison.

4) If your day is crappy, sit back - pour yourself a short one - pick out a cigar - and think about fishing with your children. (Always puts me in a good mood.)
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Well said Al. Thanks :-)
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Al... you are absolutely right.

Thanks for being one of the people I am grateful for in my life. :-)
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:-):-):-)

Thanks Al.
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Amen brother!
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Well said, Al. Being my usual pessimistic self, I need to remind myself constantly how good I actually have it. With family and friends, if all else would disappear, life would still be good.
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I need to start doing this more often.
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Nicely put Al. Alina hit the nail on the head with this one.
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Al,
Great thoughts.
I HAVE to follow that concept daily as otherwise, a condition can set in. A condition that causes some to rely on meds to contain it, but something I completely refrain from. I have learned to fight it with happy thoughts. This week was a challenge for me as you and many know. Wasn't easy to readily come up with "happy" thoughts but I did it eventually and have moved on for now.
Hang in there. If it has anything to do with that dreaded "d", same word as what happened in America in the late 20's to late 30's word (depression for some that may be scratching their heads and haven't figured it all out yet:-)), after 50 years, I am a pro at fighting it and am here to lend a hand.
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Great post Al.

As many of you know, I am a fan of Living Colour and one of their songs "this is the life" has lyrics that put me down to earth everytime I need it, and it goes well with the theme of this topic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6okNaPSRdlI
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