Right then and there, I decided there was something I could do

Grateful for the song of crickets.

Grateful for the new awareness blossoming from deep inside.

Grateful my kids are playing nicely.

It started after another failed attempt to keep a gratitude journal. I’d heard so many inspirational talks; I understood the value of taking the time to write what I was grateful for each day. Most of all, I knew I needed this habit more than ever as life was throwing challenges faster than I could catch them.

I had a stack of colorful gratitude journals that started well for a few pages, and then when inspiration wore off, turned into pages of to-do lists.

During a conversation with some friends, I made a public confession about my desperation. They all agreed it’s a great habit to work on but, “Nu vuz dit men? What are you going to do?” they asked.

Right then and there, I decided there was something I could do. I started a group chat for the five of us. I made a commitment aloud to text three things I’m grateful for every day.