September 28, 2026

What does a day in the life of “Cheryl” look like?

That was a question I asked an old business colleague a long, long time ago. She was successful, had a great attitude, and just had such a light about her. I was curious.

Her reply? “When I wake in the morning, before I put my feet on the floor, I smile—even if I don’t feel like it. Then, I say three things out loud that I am grateful for. Each day, three different things.”

She went on to say, “And thank God for another day. It puts life into perspective.”

Yes. It absolutely does.

And you know, it’s not always easy to smile when you wake up. Life can kick us in the A$$ sometimes.

I recall a time back in 2019, I believe. I had a Schnauzer named Baylee. She was my first “kid.” Pat and I got her early in our relationship. I want to say she was about 12 weeks old when we got her in 2005, so we had her for about 14 years.

In 2019, she died in my arms at the vet. I was devastated. She was my everything. My companion. My last “connection” to Pat. Our kid.

Anyone reading this who has ever had a family pet knows the kind of pain I’m talking about.

The morning after we laid her to rest, I woke up crying. Literally, without even thinking about crying, I was crying.

Immediately, I thought of Cheryl and her words of encouragement.

“Smile—even if you don’t want to.” (I definitely did NOT want to.)

“Say three things you’re grateful for.”

“And thank God for another day.”

Okay, Christine. Shake it off.

And I did.

I smiled. (DID NOT WANT TO.)

I thanked God that my pup was out of pain and with Pat.

Immediately, I felt a peace. A calming.

In this world, there will be trouble. But take heart. He has overcome the world. — John 16:33

So, when you wake up in the morning, no matter where life has you, try this little exercise.

Before you put your feet on the floor, smile.

Think of three things you are grateful for. Make them different each day.

And thank God for another day.

It doesn’t mean everything is suddenly okay. It doesn’t erase the hard things. But maybe, just maybe, it can help put life into perspective.

Let me know if you try it. I’d love to know if it helps you get through the day with a little more peace and a little more calm.

Keep it simple.

God loves you, and so do I.