Daily Gratitude: This is so true. The accomplishments and good things that come into your life generate powerful emotions which far surpass any positive emotions from your dreams. The emotions of nightmares are powerful for sure, but those associated even with great dreams cannot match those of actually achieving something. Often the dream you have while you’re asleep is the precursor of what’s to come. Think of it as a trailer for a movie and think about how a movie trailer gets you excited for the movie. Same with your dreams. When you have a good idea while asleep, hold on to it and then start making plans to translate it into reality. Use all the excitement to keep your energy up and going until you achieve it.

Daily Gratitude: When things aren’t going well, make up your mind to dig down deep and find that joy. It may take a some time and effort to find that joy but you can do it if you realize how much better it will make you feel. All too often, we sit back and just wait for the doldrums to pass. That usually doesn’t work. It’s an individual responsibility to be happy and find the joy. It’s there so don’t try to give an excuse that it’s not there. Yes, I understand that sometimes things are really bad and you don’t want to or can’t put forth the effort to be joyful. That’s ok. At some point, the rain of crud might lighten up and you might have friends that will help you dig and find some improvement in your feelings. Just remember that the capability to be joyful is there. When things are going well, try practicing to see how much of it you can find. It’s easier to do that when you’re in a good or neutral mood than to try it for the first time while feeling down.

Daily Gratitude: This should be a no brainer in our day and age. Everything happens at the speed of light. What’s news this hour won’t be news in 12 hours. Something else will have taken its place. In the same way we do spring cleaning, we need to do some decluttering of our minds. “That’s the way we’ve always done it” is never a good reason to continuing doing something. Sure it may involve a little more effort to embrace or at least try something new, but what if it works so well, it ultimately makes your life easier? Wouldn’t that be great? If you’ve had resentment for one or more persons in your life, isn’t it time to let go of it? You know the other person probably doesn’t know you’re harboring the resentment. So, it’s usually only hurting you. What if you let go of that? How much pressure and pain would you be releasing from your system? How much healthier could you become with releasing that pent up energy. You know that energy is doing something inside you. Energy doesn’t just stand still. Unfortunately, what it’s doing is wreaking havoc on your body (especially your nervous system). I had a great mentor who believed that most people who have had cancer have some degree of resentment buried deep in their soul. That is not a scientific study but was only based on her experience but it also fits with the anecdotal experience i’ve had as a physician. Anyway, take some time to get the broom out and do some cleaning of your old ways and have an “open house” so to speak during which you can entertain new ideas.