I caught myself being negative lately about some things that were going on in my personal life. It wasn’t pretty, I didn’t like it, and I wanted to change it. I didn’t want to be that person who is always complaining, and, more than that, I wanted to feel differently.

So I’ve decided to write a gratitude list of 51 items every day for 21 days. It’s not as many as you would think. Some items that I am consistently grateful for can repeat, but copying the list every day isn’t going to change anything. I did a list of at least 50 items every day for a year once. It’s a great tool for shifting your focus onto what is working in your life, and, since energy follows focus, it will actually work to bring in more things to be grateful for.

And then I thought, why not open this up to everybody? Some people work out in support groups, some people diet in support groups, why not practice gratitude in support groups? So I posted to Facebook about it. If you want to change how you feel and potentially change your life, why not join in? I especially like the idea of people sharing what it is they are grateful for, because it makes it feel more do-able to others, and it’s inspiring. Won’t you join in?

If the thought of 51 item is overwhelming to you, use this handy dandy chart. I’ve got one like it in word on my computer that I just fill out every day. Somehow it’s easier, at least for me, in columns.