We’ve all heard that positive thinking can help us manage stress and cope better with life’s challenges. But how do you actually get into the habit of maintaining a positive outlook?

For me, the answer was trying the “10 Good Things” method.

Whenever negativity creeps in, I pause and make a mental list of ten good things that have happened to me. No strict rules here—these can be from the past or just something nice happening in the moment. Big or small, it doesn’t matter. The goal is to focus on the positive, and it really works!

Let me show you what I mean.

This morning, while I was out for a run, I made my list:

1. It’s a gorgeous, sunny day with temperatures in the 70s. Whoo hoo!
2. My Asics running shoes are so comfy—I’m so glad I found them.
3. I just finished an amazing book (The Women by Kristin Hannah). How lucky am I to have a library that stocks big print versions?
4. I love my Jeep and feel fortunate that I can afford the payments.
5. I got a 5-star professional review on my second book! I’m so happy about that!
6. My husband’s arm is improving, and he’s back to working part-time. Yay! I’m so grateful for the incredible surgeon who helped him.
7. My vegetable garden is still producing cucumbers and tomatoes. Delicious!
8. I had a lovely chat with my neighbors this morning. How lucky am I to live next to them?
9. ZZ, my dog, didn’t pull me on our walk today!
10. I got to hold the baby of a former kindergarten student. What a special moment!

See? These aren’t huge, life-changing events—they’re small blessings that add up. The simple act of noticing them shifts my perspective. Every time I think of something good, I naturally follow it with, “Wow, I’m so lucky,” because it’s true. And you know what? So are you.

We’re all luckier than we realize—it just takes a moment to see it, especially when negativity is swirling around.

So, what are your 10 good things today?
Go ahead, start your list!

—Peni