Today, when I woke up and had sat down with my warm and delicious cup of coffee, I opened my laptop and logged into Facebook. The first thing I saw was a seconds-long video of a chameleon popping soap bubbles. Not a cartoon. A real live chameleon on the fingertips of its owner reaching up into the air and popping the bubbles blown in its direction. It was the sweetest and most joyful thing I'd seen in a few days and I couldn't help but smile. In a moment, my entire attitude had changed. From being tired and weary to feeling happiness and ready to start my day. Positive thinking is a real thing.

From reading my blog, you may have noticed that depression and anxiety are things I've battled since I was 13 years old. The second time I went to someone for counseling, her task for me was to think of things for which to be grateful right after I woke up in the morning. I did what she said because I was desperate for help. No matter how you feel, she would say, just write them down. 

The Bible talks about this too. In one of the New Testament books there's a verse that starts, "In all things give thanks"... So obviously, positive thinking isn't a new concept.

I'll leave you with a TEDx talk which focuses on this concept. The speaker's challenge to change our thinking is one I've taken to heart - thus my previous post on three things for which I'm grateful. Here are three more things for which I'm grateful today: 1) Emily Rice and her Yoda drawing, 2)  My cat Tuco's sweet and battlescarred face with the marks of defending our territory, 3) Cindy's self-timer coffeepot at the office. :-)

Practice gratefulness...
1. I'm grateful the morning air is cool today.
2. I'm grateful for stillness when drinking my coffee.
3. I'm grateful for natural beauty in the midst of this urban setting.