Every breath you didn’t have to earn is a reason to say thanks.

Nothing about being alive was arranged by you. The breathing continues all night without your supervision, which is why it is the last thing anyone thinks to be glad about. Gratitude usually attaches to the unusual, the good news and the lucky break, when the steadiest gifts are the ones that never stopped. Ordinary is not the same as owed.

Try a version of thanks that costs nothing: one breath noticed on purpose before you get out of bed. Say the word quietly for whatever you are glad is still working. It takes a few seconds, and it changes the direction you are facing for the rest of the morning.