Three Good Things

I majored in Early Childhood Education in college. I taught for three years after graduation, then decided it wasn’t for me. But I did learn some valuable lessons which have served me well for all these years. Never mind how many. Let’s just say it’s been a while. Some of the techniques I learned for dealing with small children have come in very handy when working with adults, like only asking open-ended questions instead of things to which they can say, “NO!”


The semester I did my student teaching, the lead teacher required me to keep a daily journal about my time in the classroom. His only specific instruction to keeping the journal was that at the end of each day’s entry I had to write down three good things about my day. Some days that was easy, but some days I had to think really, really, really hard to come up with three good things. His point was that even on your very worst day, you can find something good about it if you try. It helps you keep your attitude positive.

That lesson has stayed with me. I used to have my son do that when he was a little boy. He would have his bedtime story, say his prayers, and then tell me three good things about his day. He looked forward to that all day long, and never forgot to tell me what his three things were before he went to sleep at night.

Some days it is really tough to find anything good about your day. Your boss hassled you, your kids mouthed off, you ate a bunch of junk food, whatever. But if you stop and really think about it, you will find that with a little effort, there will be some little bright spots in your day. Someone did something nice for you without being asked. The sun was shining. You were able to add a little weight to the bench press. Try to look for the positives in your day – they really are there!

Three Good Things About My Day:

1. I’m meeting Becky at the gym later so I know I’ll have a good tough workout;

2. I didn’t have to leave my house in the dark this morning because of the time change; and

3. You’re reading the blog!