If you struggle with negativity and your relationship with your spouse or partner is strained, try something different today. Try uncommon gratitude. Here's how it works: Thank your spouse for small things that you'd normally take for granted, and see what happens. I try to practice uncommon gratitude with Christmas Boy every day.

For example, I thank him for taking out the garbage, scooping the cat litter box, unloading the dishwasher, for buying dinner, and this evening I thanked him for driving the two hours home from our mountain house. What I've discovered is that it helps me stay in the the mindset where I notice all the small things he does. But it also lets him know I appreciate him on a daily basis, and he appreciates me in the same small ways every day. It's a simple way that we express our respect and gratitude to each other, which brings us closer.

 We all want (and need) to be appreciated and acknowledged for the things we do, especially by those we're closest to, so when someone says a simple and unexpected "thank you", it's a wonderful little treat. So today, try thanking a friend, or your spouse for doing what they'd normally do anyway... taking out the trash, driving you to dinner, cleaning up the breakfast dishes, or anything else they do without being asked. It will make YOU feel good because you'll be looking for positive things to be grateful for, and it will make THEM feel great too!