How to be Grateful that the Train…or Plane… is Late

Then I thought – as the train screeched to a stop in front of me – why was I wasting my energy in that pointless way? I was only fueling a negative attitude by focusing on my own impatience.

So the next time it happened, a few days later in Times Square, I decided to use that time for a mini-mindset reset.

I started walking down the platform, and each time I passed a pillar, I named something I was grateful for. The first few were easy– my family, my dog Sadie, my work, my health, New York. Then, more unexpected ones started popping up – raw chocolate. Riverside Park. Being motivated. My new website. All things I wouldn’t have thought of, if the train had come on time.

My friend who is a psychology enthusiast told me you can’t feel anxiety and gratitude at the same time. How powerful it is to know that – at any moment, we have the choice where to put our energy. By naming those things, I switched from a mindset of anxiety and impatience to one of gratitude.

I’ve been reminding myself of this exercise while traveling and I have to admit, it’s starting to become natural. Waiting for trains, sitting in traffic, waiting to board the plane – every time I start getting frustrated, I take a minute and think of what I’m grateful for and by the time I get moving again, I feel blessed. It changes my whole attitude for that day.

What are some other ways you can incorporate gratitude into your day? Comment to share your ideas!