18,108

Gratitude grows when faced with the reality of mortality.

A photo from the past reminds me that moments are fleeting.

18,108 is the total number of days I have awakened, alive and breathing. I can honestly say that most, if not all, of these days, I have anticipated doing so. I've lived life with the expectation that things will always be accessible to me.

I am in the peak condition of my life, both mentally and physically, with a clear vision focused on my passions and purpose. I am excited to continue pursuing my mission and life legacy.

I say this to convey, it is natural and normal to live assuming I have more days on the calendar ahead. However, despite the well-intended, eager ambitious mindset, it is critical I balance the reality of my own mortality with my futuristic mission.

One day most likely without my knowing in advance, my running total of days waking up alive - sadly will stop. Facing that reality stirs me to be more thankful for all things I take for granted.

Increasing your gratitude daily will:

*Increase your happiness and well being

*Reduce Stress and anxiety

*Improve sleep

*Build stronger relationships

*Enhance resiliency in the face of challenges

*Your positive perspective on life will lead you to success in all pursuits

Suggestions to practice gratitude:

*Journal - Write down at least 1 thing you are thankful for daily

*When waking up, put 1 foot to the ground and say I'm, when you put your second foot to the ground - say Grateful. I'm............Grateful

*Reflection - Take 1 minute out of your day to just sit and breathe. Focus the entire minute on how thankful you are for breath in that moment.

*Challenge yourself to find gratitude in challenges. Easier said than done. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes and the better you get at becoming resilient in the face of challenges

*Say you get to vs have to more often. Change your verbiage.