Daily Gratitude: This is such an important point when thinking about how we can be happier and lead a more fulfilled life. When something has happened, there is absolutely nothing you can do to change it. It’s in the past and has been carved into stone, so to speak. So, it does no good to entertain “what if” or “if only” thoughts. Accept it and move to the next key step. How do you feel about what happened? Are you bitter, angry, resentful? If so, how are those thoughts and emotions making you feel? Is your life better when you continue to hold on to the fact that you wish “it” had happened differently? Or can you accept it as already done and start to concentrate on what you can do about whatever it is? You can’t change “it” but you can change how you feel about it and you certainly can change what you do about it. Perhaps, though, the only thing you need to do is just accept that it happened and turn the page. You can change your feelings and then your subsequent actions. You’d be surprised how much better you’ll feel when you start to focus on what you need to do next. That’s why I try to look at things with a “so what? What’s next?” Attitude.

Daily Gratitude: Short and sweet! So often you hear people talking about what they are going to do. Then a year later you hear the same boast. They are still “going” to do it. But they never get started. When you make up your mind about something, don’t announce it to the world, just do it. I know people talk about it being an accountability thing but is it really? Do you require the mere words of others to push you to start doing something? No. It has to come from within. Do you think I first decided I wanted to try to walk across Tennessee because someone said “oh that’s a great idea, Terrie, go for it”? Heck no. Does the encouragement help once you’ve started? Sure it does but it I relied on x number of people telling me “you can do it” to keep my tired butt moving, I’d be in sad shape. You cannot rely on these “externals” to motivate you to do anything. It has to come from within. Just start and then continue.

Daily Gratitude: Remember “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”? This quote encapsulates the essence of life that we should be striving for. When you read it, you’ll smack your forehead and say “duh, of course”. if trouble comes, you’ll have plenty of time to be miserable (if that’s what you choose). So why steal some of that misery ahead of time? You certainly don’t need to “practice” being miserable, do you? Why not just go on about today’s business and deal with whatever is coming (if it is coming) when it gets here?