An Attitude of Gratitude

Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? Are you having a hard day? If not today, I’m sure you can remember a day recently that you woke up on “the wrong side of bed” and the day just never righted itself.
We all experience “bad days”, but how can we take control of our day and not allow external factors to determine how our day is going to be?
I propose that we adopt an attitude of gratitude.
Actually, it’s not my original idea. You see, according to Jewish tradition, there is an understated but extremely powerful tool that enables us to begin our day on the right foot no matter how we feel when we open our eyes.
I’m referring to the Modeh Ani. In full it reads as follows “Modeh anee lefanecha melech chai vekayam, she-he-chezarta bee nishmasee b’chemla, rabba emunasecha.” I offer thanks to You, living and eternal king, for You have restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great.
Think about the message within this line. It says, “Yes, I can’t pay the bills but I am healthy.” It says, “Yes, my car won’t start but I have a job.” It says, “Yes there are challenges in my life, it’s not all rosy, but I will consciously pay attention to the positive things, to the blessings in my life!”
Try focusing on the blessings in your life and you will soon discover more positive things to appreciate. Instead of the challenges and obstacles defining your day, the blessings will.