You hear about gratitude more and more. Oprah talks about it. Books are written about it. The truth is that when you are in gratitude for all aspects of your life, you mental outlook is positive and you are open to creating more positive experiences in your life.

Many of you have already learned that there is only one thing you can change in your life and that is your own perspective. The way you choose or create to see the world and life. When you have an attitude of gratitude, you begin to respond to experiences rather than react to them.

This exercise this week is to wake up each morning and give thanks for all the good things in your life. If you think that you will forget to do this, post a post it note or a reminder somewhere by your alarm clock, on the medicine cabinet or any place that will remind you to take just a few brief minutes to be in gratitude. You will find that your whole outlook throughout the day may shift as a result of this process.

Regardless of outer conditions or experiences that may be going on, something different will have shifted from within you. When you recognize this shift, you will also notice that your heart has become more open: you are more loving and others may respond to you even more so in kind.

Keep these thoughts in mind as you consciously choose to practice gratitude for the week: All my thoughts, words, actions and feelings are positive. I am grateful to stop and find time to acknowledge all the small things I am grateful for.

Find the blessing in each experience you have. If a situation seems negative to you, you may find that there is a lesson that you have to learn. With an inner acknowledgement that there is a blessing, the lessons will be revealed to you.

Everyday is a new beginning and a day to be in gratitude for being alive. This is an opportunity to awaken and let go of the past, old habits, beliefs, worries and fears. Embrace the new day with grace and adventure.

Be in gratitude for the higher power that is omnipresent in each and everyone of us. The power that guides us to forgive, heal, to love and be loved. Write as much as you can about your experiences daily. Blessings to you.