After having spent most of my life as a person who mostly saw the negatives of life, I discovered that looking at the positive side of things not only makes me feel good, it is also good for my mental health. Every Monday, I try – I am not always successful – to write down five things I am thankful for. I believe that it is important for me to do this even when things are going really well. It gives me something to look back on and use when my days become more difficult. Writing down things that I am grateful for when life is hard, helps me keep my focus on the positives of life. It also makes me less anxious and depressed.

Here are the things I am thankful for right now.

1. I am thankful for a warm, and safe place to sleep at night.
2. I am thankful for my little dog – Minnie. She seems to know when I am feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts, and chooses those times to make me play with her.
3. I am thankful for all the supportive people in my life – in real and on the internet.
4. I am thankful for my counselor. She has been a huge encourager and teacher.
5. I am thankful for Christmas lights. I have had so much fun hanging up Christmas lights this year.