Sometimes all people can be thankful for are the big things. Huge acts of kindness. Expensive gifts. Extravagant things. Once you've set yourself in that mindset, it's hard to get out of it.

During the summer, I received a present for my high school graduation. A journal with tips throughout on how to be grateful. I planned on reading them as I came to them, but as soon as I started reading I couldn't stop.

As I flipped through the pages, I decided to try my hardest to keep these things in mind. Even on the WORST of days.

I took the journals advice. I made time for myself and followed the instructions. The first was to write out a list of things I'm grateful for. Simple and straightforward. I had my doubts on how this would work, but it's opened my eyes even just in the past few days.

Snow, fruit, air conditioning, my list went on and on.

The next tip, a gratitude letter. A letter to someone you are grateful for. A mother. A father. A best friend. Anyone who has made a positive difference in your life. Something big or something little. A letter to someone who you haven't thanked for the differences they've made in your life.

Or my personal favorite, an exercise called "Three Good Things." Another writing activity, but a good one to do. Write down three things that went great in your day, and WHY they went well. What did you do to make today great? What are you striving for? There is nothing wrong with knowing that you did good today too.

I know that today may not be perfect. There will be bumps and bruises. If you won't be mad about it after a good nights sleep, why dwell on it? Why become bitter? The problems I have today will be tinier than a grain of sand in the near future.

I've learned the hard way that having a pessimistic attitude does not make anything better. We have become so accustomed to things that some people can only dream of. The next time you sleep, are you going to think of someone who may not even have a bed? The next time you refuse to eat the meal cooked for you in your own home, will you think of someone who has no home or roof over their head, or someone who may not have a meal for the next two days?

We are privileged. We have freedom, which is something other countries may not even have at all.

I know that I have plenty to be grateful for. I have a loving family and amazing friends. I have a roof over my head. I have a future ahead of me. I have home cooked meals. I have love in my heart. I have the ability to smile. I can walk. I can talk. I can hear and see. I'm healthy. I'm here. I'm alive and I am loved.

Cultivate the habit of being grateful.