Often times, we are told to be grateful for what we have in life. Growing up, when we threw a fit about our parents, they told us to just be grateful for the roof over our heads and the food on the table. As we grow older, gratitude becomes a harder emotion to feel when the stress of school, relationships, and becoming a real-life adult flood our brains.

I have recently noticed that I complain a lot. I complain about the weather, my lack of sleep, and even the way the broccoli is undercooked in the dining hall. Being a complainer is not attractive from the outside, nor is it beneficial to your own self. So, I decided to start keeping a gratitude journal. When I was younger, my mom and I would sit in her bed before bedtime and we would write three things we were grateful for. After we were done, we would share them with each other, and then she would tuck me into bed. At 9 years old, I probably did not quite understand the importance of being grateful for even the tiniest of things. At 21 years old, I am hoping to change my perspective on life by doing this.

So what is there to be grateful for? I already know I am lucky to have my college education, friends and family, food in my belly, and a roof over my head. But there is so much more than that. Did your roommate leave you a note on your desk this morning before she left saying "have a great day"? Were you able to get an extension on that paper you put off till last minute? Maybe grandma called you today to ask how you were feeling after being sick for a week. There are little blessings in your larger ones that could use more attention. Think small. Find something that impacted your day differently than yesterday and find some gratitude in it. When you are grateful for the little things, you find more good in the bad than the bad in the good. Your perspective on life will change, and you may even become a little happier with the way things are going.