In my last rehab session, our educational session was about stress and ways to alleviate it.
This blog is one of my ways. It gives me the chance to just blurt stuff out that I have been thinking.

(No, not EVERYTHING I am thinking...you never know who is reading)

One thing that we learned was to practice gratitude to alleviate stress. Part of stress is want. Want of more, not being happy with your current situation. So, if you practice gratitude for what you DO have, then you can relax a little when it comes to wanting more.

Replace the stress with gratitude. It is a simple idea, but one we often forget. Kind of like, "eat right & exercise." This is not a tough concept, but somehow we all forget to DO it.

What they suggested was to wake up every day & thank God (or whomever you feel is appropriate)
for 5 things in your life.

I have not tried it yet, but sounds like a great idea; so here goes...

Dear God, thank you for:

My incredible kids. They remind me why I want to live every day & remind me that I need to be better every day than the last. They make it FUN to be a dad.

My strong wife. She keeps me on my toes and keeps me "honest." Her smile is infectious and her support is endless. We need each other.

My family; sisters, mom, dad. Role models all, each in their own way. And always there, even form 600 miles away. They made me who I am.

My friends....more than I ever realized I had, more than I deserve. These folks kept Ashley & the kids safe and well taken care of while I was out of commission. They are the reason for this blog.

My heart attack. I know it is cliché, but I have been given a warning shot over the bow. I was letting my life turn into a string of days to be "gotten through." With what so far has been a comparatively small amount of disruption, I was shown the value, and importance, and JOY of living each day. I am not HAPPY I had my heart attack, but I am GRATEFUL for the way it has turned out.

WHEW!

There you have it. my first session of "Gratitude Practice"
Felt good. You should try it.

Good night & God bless.