Lately I've been trying to be more appreciative, to truly take all the good stuff in and give thanks for it.

I've found that my whole attitude will shift if I simply focus on the wonderful things in my life, from the big (friends, love, time to create) to the small (wildflowers blooming beside the house, sunshine on my face, my morning coffee).

Focusing on what I lack makes me feel worried and stressed. But shifting to what I have changes my feelings, and suddenly I'm having a different (much better!) experience.

It's not always easy. I keep this quote at my desk:

"A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arrival. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." -Lao Tzu, from the Tao Te Ching