How did your day start? Take a moment to remember the first intentional thought you had. Today mine came from scarcity – “I don’t have enough time. I have to hurry.” With that, a hand-sized snowball is formed only to gather speed, strength and size as the morning routine unfolds. As victims of my mindset, Ella and Grace will have their own rough start. Before long, I’ll be barking at them to hurry. We will be pouring Cheerios into a bowl as we pull on backpacks and slide on untied shoes. In our rush a folder, a sock or a yoga mat will remain on the kitchen floor long after the garage door has closed and we have turned onto National Road. If we are lucky, we will arrive at school unscathed. Regardless, my mood leaves destruction in its wake.

Had I the power to do so, I would start my day again. The sound of my iPhone alarm would illuminate, or, more likely, some worry would awaken me. As I stirred to conscientiousness, I would intentionally reflect on something for which I am grateful. As a mom, my default appreciation is always my children’s health if I can remember to start there. Yet there is so much else to consider.

There is the mundane… thankful the smoke detector no longer beeps just beyond my bedroom door (even though I changed the battery). There is the deep… thankful that people disagree with me or question my ideas to extend my thinking. There is the simple… thankful to wear tennis shoes to work on a Friday. And still others… I am thankful my mom chose to move so close to me especially now that she has turned over the keys to the car. I am thankful that after the age of 50, I am finally learning to live in the moment.

I have an active mind. An initial negative thought can turn into a familiar chorus with a refrain of loss, worry, fear or shame. Those are difficult emotions to tamp down in order to greet my daughters lovingly and take on the day with courage. How powerful then is the first positive thought? Before my feet swing out from underneath the sheet and my toes bury themselves in the fibers of the carpet, I can set the course for the day (mine and others) with a focus on all that is positive and abundant in my life. I can remember any one of the multitude of gifts bestowed on me or for which I have worked tirelessly.

Since I live and work in the land of children, I am going to grant myself the very popular “do-over.” It is once again just before dawn and I am nudging myself awake. As awareness creeps in, I think about how lucky I am. I whisper thanks for the opportunity to do a job I love — one that allows for bear hugs so tight they’ll catch my breath. With that, I inhale the first smile of the day. The simple act of filling my lungs slowly with air while turning up the corners of my mouth changes the way I move through the house to wake my girls. I see Grace’s smile and hear Ella’s first question of the day. What a way to start.

If you didn’t start your day this way either, I will let you borrow a school yard “do-over.” As you finish reading this, pause. Think of just one thing for which you are grateful. It will change your day.

It starts with a pause. A breath. A thank you. A smile.

And with just that we have the beginning of a stronger and more grateful community. Thank you.

Elizabeth Hofreuter is head of school at Wheeling Country Day. She is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She has two daughters, ages 9 and 14.