“When you wake up in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” 
~ Marcus Aurelius

When is the last time you were consciously grateful for the fact that you woke up to a new day? For most, I would think, this is one of the many things we take for granted. Yet we all know that waking up each morning is a gift.

On any given day, we may learn of the unexpected death of a friend or loved one. It might be a close relative, or perhaps your child’s preschool teacher. No one is exempt from the possibility of having our life end at any time.

Take some time today to reflect, with gratitude, on the fact that you woke up this morning. Take some time to appreciate that your spouse, children, grandchildren, best friend, neighbor, coworker, dentist, or favorite barista is alive and well today. And if the opportunity presents itself, let these individuals know how grateful you are to have them in your life. 

Gratitude makes a difference!