Daily Gratitude: We seem to never give ourselves enough credit. Whenever we’re worried or anxious about what “might” happen, we forget whatever troubles have preciously come our way…and which we’ve conquered. How did we do that? Sometimes it’s with the help of others but most often it begins within ourselves. We decide we have to or want to handle this situation. Then we call upon our internal resources to assist. That may be as simple as having the courage to ask for help. Or it may be telling ourselves “yeah this hurts…a lot…BUT I am strong enough to endure it. Or at least I’m going to try!” I think we can get overwhelmed if we think of how long we have to “try” or how long we need to employ these resources. As with my appreciation for Nike’s “just do it” slogan, I feel the same about “one day at a time” and frequently it’s more like one minute at a time. At vol state for me it’s one guardrail at a time. Remember how we talked about “chunking” things down. This is a perfect example. We really do have enough of whatever resource is needed to make it through a minute or an hour or a day. Take stock of the resources you have within (patience, humor, endurance, ability to ask for help, etc) and realize that you can put up a good fight against anything that comes your way!

Daily Gratitude: Thanks to John Denver for this. I love the song but love the concept even more. This is all about life. Some of your days are going to be spectacular and some are going to be much less than that. Just accept that fact and find something in each day to be joyous and grateful about. Things didn’t go well at work? Try to be happy you have work and if that doesn’t fit the bill, then watch a little kid somewhere playing away happier than a pig in mud. Or look at a flower. Find a picture or a short video you really like and look at that to help you reset and lift your spirits. You can also think of those less fortunate than you would love to have their day be as “bad” as yours. It’s all about perspective. It really is up to you to make each day a diamond day! Remember too that the creation of diamonds require pressure. Tell someone you meet “Have a diamond day” and see if that sparks a conversation. Try it!

Daily Gratitude: Whenever you feel your courage slipping or the task ahead calls for more than the usual courage you use getting through your day, find an ally. But do it intentionally. Don’t just pick whoever is around to lean on. Make a considered choice. The casual acquaintance is not necessarily the correct person to pick to shore up your courage. You don’t want to have to get to know that person while you’re facing something daunting. So pick someone you know and trust…and who’s willing to assist. Talk with that person and tell them what’s up and why you need their support at this moment. Ask them if they feel they can help. Then ask them what you can do for them. Remember that all worthwhile interactions are two way streets. Never be too vain or egotistical to ask for someone to “have your back”. The power of another by your side will dramatically increase your sense that you can conquer what’s ahead. I don’t know if I could still finish Vol State without Team Terrie but with all of you, I have a much better chance of enduring all that’s ahead of me in the next two weeks. Thank you for being along with me.