You got up on this side of the grass. Rejoice!

What can be done each day to make you feel grateful that you got up on this side of the grass? Look around you.

Did you wake up in a warm bed, next to someone you love, perhaps?  Be grateful that you have a place to live out of the cold and grateful that someone shares it with you.

Lingering over a cup of coffee or tea with your breakfast means you have food to eat.

Did you go to work today?  You are among the lucky ones who have a job.

During your day did you see the flowers you planted?  Be grateful you have vision with which to look upon their beauty.

Did you speak with family members during your day?  Lucky you, to have a family who cares about you.

We take too much for granted until those things are not there anymore.  Think about what many of us have gone through in the last few years: loss of jobs, loss of homes, loss of self respect because of these tough times.

What matters in your life?  Your spouse, your children, your health, your neighbors and neighborhood, the people who make your life pleasant to live all make an impact on how you feel.  Every day someone does or says something to make you smile, to make you feel good or makes your day a little brighter by some small act of goodwill. When you think about those people, it's time to return the favor by thanking them in some way.

A simple act of gratitude like writing a thank you note or actually telling each one how much you appreciated something they said or did would make this world a much nicer place.

And G-d knows, we need a nicer world than the one we have right now.