When I was teaching in the California Prison System I wrote a poem on gratitude. I read the poem to the female inmates that were in attendance at an outdoor activity. I felt then, and I still feel the same way today, that we need to be grateful each day for the thing that we have. When we focus on what we have as opposed to what we lack our attitude becomes more positive. Believe me, that with all the negativity that inmates have to deal with, any shift in positive thinking will lighten their load.
In the same light it does our soul good to live each day with the spirit of gratitude. A teacher at a youth delinquent facility had her students write five things each day in their journals of what they were thankful or grateful for. After several weeks of writing five things down each day she noticed a big change in their attitudes. These were tough guys but after this activity they began softening up with a big change in their attitude.
What worked for these boys will work for us in the same way. Each morning before getting out of bed or while brushing you teeth think of five things you are grateful for. Do this for a month, and see if you don’t see a difference in your attitude and behavior. I believe you’ll feel better and notice more smiles on you face. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t make a difference. Good luck, and God speed.
The One-Minute Prisoner 