I always start seeing lots of posts on social media relating to gratitude and blessings as the holiday season approaches. And, of course, Thanksgiving is a great time to focus on being thankful. But why not express gratitude all year long?

I am so thankful for so much. From my amazing family and friends to my good health to a good job to being alive, I thank my lucky stars daily for all that I have in my life. As positive and optimistic as I am, I too have moments/days that sometimes make me just feel….yuck, blah, blue, you name it. You know what? It’s okay to feel these emotions. I acknowledge and embrace these emotions sometimes as much as the happy and loving emotions because it allows me to address what in my life is making me feel these and perhaps change a situation if I can. Acknowledging these emotions also makes me that much more grateful for the people and circumstances that bring me joy and contentment.

If you’re feeling in a funk or having a blue kind of day, here some suggestions for moving your mindset into a positive mode.

Think of three things to be grateful for from your day. Every night as I lay in my bed, I recall three good things from the day. Even if it didn’t feel like a good day, there is always at least one good thing you can think of for the day. Maybe it’s simply that you lived through another day. Once you think of one thing, I find that the others come to mind. Sometimes my items are simple (being alive, saying no to Dr Pepper, etc) and other times a bit more complex. Recalling these items reminds me of the good in my life, as well as helps me relax before falling asleep.

Pictures. I love taking pictures of my adventures, time with family and friends, and any other fun moment that I can capture. And while I do store a lot on my smartphone and computer, I still print many pictures to place in frames around my home. I love walking through rooms, glancing at a particular picture that brings back happy memories. I am grateful for the opportunities and people in my life.

Journal. I love to write and am an admitted journal collector (sounds nicer than addict!). I see a pretty or inspirational journal at the store and buy it. And use it. I have multiple journals in use – one for writing my gratitude lists, another for blog post ideas, another for article notes, and….you get the idea. Writing down my gratitude, goals, and positive moments helps me stay focused on the good feelings. I also love to go back and read what I wrote, particularly on days that I can use a bit of optimism.

Tell people how you feel. I never used to be very open about my feelings. I felt awkward sharing how I felt, especially if it might come across as mushy or sentimental. It’s still not super easy to share but I have learned how important it is to let someone know how you feel because the opportunity may never happen again. I want people to know they are appreciated, loved, cared for and valued as a part of my life.

Live it. If you really want to feel happy and be positive, then you have to live your life in a positive way. Believe it or not, it’s pretty easy to do that. Instead of focusing on the negative things happening in your life, think of the good (remember, at the very least, you can express gratitude that you woke up and are alive). You attract what you share so if you are always speaking negatively, thinking pessimistic thoughts and expecting less than stellar things to happen to you, chances are that those things may happen. We all have moments, even days, of feeling blue. That’s okay. It’s how you pull yourself out of those blue feelings that can make all the difference in your life. Start by saying thank you to someone. Smile at a stranger (and even yourself in a mirror!). Do a kind act for someone. Give a hug. Send a card. Volunteer. Offer to help another.

There are so many simple, free ways to live a life of gratitude. Start today. You’ll be grateful that you did.