We’ve found that when we start each day by giving thanks it improves our mindset, and helps us start each day more positively. When my life was, as the cliche goes “turned upside down,” I heard a message at church, about writing down 5 things I was thankful for as I start each day. The things I am thankful for could be as small as sunshine, heat in the house, or gas in the car. When times are tough I give thanks for the tough times. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” So when things are not going the way you want them to go, try thanking God for the time of trial, and ask yourself if he is shaping you to be the person he wants you to be.

START

Get a blank piece of paper. Open Word. Open a Google Doc. Make a note on your phone. The medium doesn’t matter.

  • Think about people, things or events that made your day better.
  • Think about people, things or events that made you happy. 
  • Think about people, things or events that if you did not have them, would make you worse off than you were today.
  • Write it down.
  • 1 through 5.
  • Read the list to yourself.
  • THANK GOD FOR BLESSING YOU.

If you have never done a “Thankful 5,” we challenge you to begin each day by writing down 5 things you are thankful for. Do it for 30 days and see if your mindset becomes more positive.