Another thing you will want to do is start a gratitude journal. I have found this to be one of the most important ways to shift my mindset from one of negativity to one of love and happiness. Start by writing three things each day that you are thankful for. You can do this at anytime during the day. However, I personally like to write my gratitude list before I go to bed and then think about what I wrote when I first wake up in the morning. This sets the tone for my mindset as I fall asleep and it starts my day on the right track. During your second week, try to write new things each day that you are grateful for. Gradually extend this to where you are filling a page or more of items you are thankful for each day. When you focus on what you are grateful for you will begin to see more and more things in your life to be grateful for.

Finally, take care of yourself. Many of us take better care of our cars than we do ourselves. We make sure that we put the recommended gasoline in our cars; we make sure that we fill the gas tank before it reaches empty and we make sure that we maintain our car and get oil changes when needed. However, we often neglect ourselves. We don't get enough sleep and we run ourselves to the brink of exhaustion. We eat too many processed and fast foods because it is quick and easy. We put exercise off until tomorrow because it is too difficult to do today. In addition, the stress in our life keeps building and building until it reaches the pressure point and we blow up.

Begin taking care of yourself by eating foods that will give your body the nutrition it needs. Stay away as much as possible from fast foods and food that has been processed. You can tell if food is processed because it will come in a can, bag or box. Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and seeds instead.

Plan your exercise and stick with your plan. If you currently are not exercising at all. Start small. Just fifteen minutes, three days a week will help you start to feel better about yourself.

Your gratitude journal, exercise and eating better will all help you relieve some stress. However, other ways to relieve stress include meditation and deep breathing techniques. When you eat better, exercise regularly and reduce your stress levels, you will find it easier to get a good night's sleep.

You are the most important person in your life! In order to take care of your family, work and everything else you must take care of yourself first. When you love yourself, it is easy for people to love you also.

I would love to hear about ways you put yourself first. We learn from others and your story might help someone else. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page if you would like to share.