COUNT TO 10

I don’t think I’ve ever done this but I think it’s paramount

That today I thank the teacher who first taught me to count.

I’m sure I did not thank her when she was teaching it to me

For at the time I did not understand how important it would be.

Remember when we were younger we were told time and time again

When we became upset or angry, before doing anything--count to 10.

And maybe it worked and maybe it didn’t--if the truth be told

I mean at the time we were taught it what were we...maybe 5 or 6 years old?

But I have found that counting technique is not an aberration

And I’ve used it many times through the years with one slight alteration.

I use it during moments in my life that seem a bit distressing

I take a deep breath and count to 10...but now I’m counting blessings.

When I become envious or mean, when I’m a griper or regretter

I quickly count 10 blessings in my life and immediately...I feel better.

But then I thought why am I counting only when I feel dismay?

Why not count my blessings a little every day?

So when I rise in the morning and other times...I never know exactly when

I’ll think about the blessings in my life and then I count to 10.

I believe I’m a happier person for this...which is why I think it’s paramount

That today I thank the teacher who first taught me how to count.