1. Each morning I look at the sign over my bed that says “Good Morning. This is God. I will be handling all your problems today; I will not need your help. So, relax and enjoy the day.” It reminds me that I am his child whom he loves, regardless of what I have done or not done. Throughout my day, I go to him for reassurance when I’m feeling worried or deprived, asking for trust in my future, and a nudge when I’m puzzled as to what to do next. I pray not for things and people to change, but for me to change my reactions to them. And I thank him in advance of seeing the results.

2. I notice things that I feel grateful about and thank God for them—waking up, my cats nearby to pet, the warmth of my bed, the weather. I remember that whatever I choose to focus on or speak about, I shall get more of. So I avoid over-reading negative news in the media, etc. and look for Good News columns instead.

3. I act ‘as if’ whatever desirable outcome I choose to focus on is already happening. It is as if I am an actor in a play, walking taller with strong steps and a smile, imaging health and confidence, and watching the good feelings that then arise. I “fake it ‘til I feel it.” I don’t try to push away feelings of sadness, shame, fear, or anger (which would increase them). I take the time to feel them and to wait for their inevitable change, giving up any expected time frame. “This, too, shall pass.”

4. I prefer to be Happy rather than Right, especially if I Know I am “right.” It’s not worth it to try to prove myself right in any disagreement when the other person is set in their feelings. At that point, it helps me to remember that I’m the same way when I get so emotionally involved I stop listening. I can return to the matter later, if I still feel it is that important.

5. I remember not to take criticism or anger personally. I act as if such feelings arise from the other person’s fears, sadness, or anger unrelated to me. If the critique is accurate, I then make any necessary amends, without expectation that they will be received well. If a driver cuts me off or otherwise drives dangerously, I image he may be rushing because he has just learned his child or spouse is ill. I thank God he didn’t hit me and pray that he avoids anyone else. By this time temptation to road rage in me has essentially disappeared.

6. When I feel overwhelmed with too much going on at once, I remember to slow down or even stop moving. I take a bathroom break to just breathe, or take a nap. No matter where I am, no one has ever said “No, you may not use my bathroom.” When I feel impatient at a red light or at a slow checkout counter, that is God’s little “pop quiz” for me to practice patience.

7. I forgive myself those times when I am not able to do these things above, knowing that making mistakes is OK, inevitable, and even desirable. I have learned more from my mistakes than from doing things right. It’s like being a torpedo. Though aimed at the target, it’s almost always slightly off course. Still it doesn’t judge itself as a bad torpedo; it simply adjusts course by continually referring to its gyrocompass (in my case, God).