When I was younger my grandma always told me to count my blessings. It was something she said often and at different times. Until recently I didn't realize how important it was to do that.

For someone who is fairly anxious I tend to get caught up in the "what ifs" of life. The things that could happen, should have happened, and the outcomes of both. Sometimes it can be hard for me to focus on the present moment because my head is in the future or the past.

Recently I started taking a few minutes everyday to write down some of the things I was grateful for and some of the things I felt stressed or worried about. As I started doing this before bed each night I gradually found my list of things I was grateful for becoming longer than my list of things I felt worried about. I found myself thinking in a more positive way. When I began to feel stressed or anxious I would open my journal and read my list of things I was grateful for. It helped center me and helped me to calm down. I focused on what I could control and started to be present in the moment.

There is so much beauty in the world, but sometimes it gets covered by the darkness. Taking a few moments to reflect on the day helped me see the beauty that I am surrounded by. Things can get chaotic and crazy at times, but there is so many amazing things going on at the same time.

For the longest time I believed that it was nearly impossible to change your outlook on life. I thought you needed this big life changing event to change your perspective, but recently I have discovered how wrong that is. You can choose to be focused on the negative or the positive. You can choose to watch the storm or look for the rainbow. Changing your outlook doesn't happen overnight, but instead takes time and practice. It takes patience and at times perseverance.

It can be difficult at times, but I encourage you to start looking for the positive in each day and every situation you face- you never know how it can change your outlook on life.