Daily Gratitude: “Change my life just by changing my thoughts? No way. You don’t understand- my life is different!” I can hear that now. But I imagine your life isn’t as bad as the prisoners of war we’ve had. Or some of the people you see on Facebook (or in your life) who are suffering with cancer but still posting jokes to try to cheer people up. Read some of the prisoner of war’s stories and you’ll be amazed. The most important factor for their survival was their thoughts. Read about Admiral Stockdale and how he combined the ability to confront his horrible reality while at the same time maintaining unwavering faith. Viktor Frankl is another one who used his thoughts to survive. Don’t be a prisoner in your own war. Don’t let your inner critic who is simply a fear based part of you talk you into an abyss of woe. Talk back. As two of my favorite sports psychologists tell you – talk to your brain because if you don’t, you’ll have to listen to that negative chatter your brain is tossing at you. For once, it’s ok to interrupt. Start your day writing a sentence or two about what a terrific day it’s going to be. If you don’t want to write then think it or say it out loud. Repeat it on your way to work even. See if you like the concept – does it change how you feel?