I keep a gratitude journal (irregularly, but it’s there.) It’s a powerful tool for attitude adjustment, especially a few years ago when I had three surgeries in six months and was in constant, frightening pain. The journal really helped me see what my blessing were, even though, during that time, the lens I viewed them through had grown very small.
I also have days where I wonder if the time and energy I put into my art and my writing have had any effect on the world. On those days, I console myself with the image of a pebble thrown into a great lake. We know we throw that pebble with our greatest intention. But we may never know how far the ripples travel, nor what shores they eventually fall upon.
So those are my tips on how to get over the Eeyore thing.
Yesterday was a perfect day for me. I finished up a new series of small framed pieces for a little art show at a friend’s coffee shop, Prime Roast, in Keene NH. 
That’s my friend Judy in the photo. She hosts exhibitions for emerging and local artists, supporting our community artists.
I’m thrilled with the new work, and I had a few compliments before I’d even finished hanging them.
The icing on the cake was finding this reaction to articles I wrote recently.
Is it bragging to share with you? I dunno. Well, yeah.
(Remember, I said I’m trying to be a better person. I didn’t say I was perfect.) (VBG)
But it’s not often we get to see the shore where the ripples gently fell. And when we do, it’s a blessing.
So I am grateful to LaDonna today. Thank you, LaDonna!
P.S. And just in case you think I take myself too seriously, here’s one of my favorite movie quotes, about what Conan the Barbarian thinks is good in life.
I don’t think he keeps a gratitude journal, do you?
Luann Udell 