I like this thread. My counselor has an activity I sometimes do (when I remember) called "ACE". It stands for Achievements, Connections to Others, and Enjoyment.

The way I use it (and you can use it any way) is to think about what you've done during the day that gave you a sense of achievement, the feeling of connecting to others, or a sense of enjoyment.

Some days I list out everything that fits each category, sometimes I only focus on the "best" one for the day. I try to rank them on a scale of 1-10. Like going to work is a 5 at minimum in the achievement category because I have to keep my job so even if I'm miserable here, I made it here. My goal is to have at least 1 "5" per day on my bad days. On my good days I try to get 3, "5"s or at least 2 "7"s. Totally random goals, but something for me to focus on.

On that note, sorry, that was a major tangent.....

So far today (it's only 9:30am) I helped get my kids off to daycare while my 2 1/2 yr old threw a major tantrum because I wouldn't hold her and I did NOT lose my patience with her! That's a big deal for me