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Sometimes it's the simple things that can have the greatest impact on our lives. Allow me to share this empowering, simple exercise with you. Perhaps you already know about it, or even use it already in your daily life. If you do, then you know how powerful this little exercise is and you are already experiencing joy every day.

I must admit that when I first heard this concept, I thought it was kind of silly. However, sometimes desperation will make us re-think silly things; at least it did in my case. I was angry, depressed and tired. The way I was dealing with everyday troubles was not working well for me, so I thought I'd give this a try. I had nothing to lose. I tried it and it worked like magic. I have since turned it into a game I play when things are not going my way: If ever things are not going the way you had planned. If ever you are having a challenging day. If ever you don't see a way out of a so-called 'bad situation.' If ever you are sad about something. If ever you are feeling mad about something. If ever you just feel like giving up.

Here's the solution:

Say, 'Thank You.'

Be still and think of all of the wonderful things you do have to be grateful for and say, 'Thank you.'

Are you still breathing? Be thankful for that. Can you breathe without the aid of machines? Be thankful for that. Surely there is something for you to be grateful for. Do you have two ears? Can you hear - even a little bit? Be grateful for that. Can you walk? Can you talk? Did you eat today? Does someone care about you? Do you care about somebody?

Find that something or things that you can be thankful for and silently (or loudly, depending on where you are and who you are with) say, 'Thank you Universe,' or 'Thank you God,' or 'Thank you God-in-me (or however you address the greatest infinite power) for these wonderful blessings!' Say it like you mean it.

Yes, you are counting your blessings. This is not a new idea; however few of us realize how potent the idea is. Focus on what is right in your life. Focus on what is good in your life. Be grateful for these things.

I promise you that one or all of these five things will happen when you create an Attitude of Gratitude:

1. The way you view the negative situation will change for the better.
2. The situation will change for the better.
3. The situation and the way you view it will change for the better.
4. Fear and anxiety will move out of your way.
5. You will experience a sense of calm that will allow you to think more clearly.

Try it. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Even if you are convinced you can't think of anything to be thankful for, just say the words 'thank you' repeatedly for at least a couple of minutes or more, either to yourself or out loud.

Teach your young children this exercise as a game. I call it the 'Gratitude Game.' Let them take turns telling each other what they are thankful for. The gratitude game is a great game to play in place of a prayer or meditation before a meal. Children of all ages (this includes you) will benefit greatly from playing this game just before bedtime and/or first thing in the morning.

There is no way you can have a miserable day if you create an Attitude of Gratitude. Every day will be a great day!

Copyright 2006 Wambui Bahati