One of the most important things we can do to maintain a happy lifestyle is to recognize the things we’re truly grateful for on a daily basis. It helps keep everything in its proper perspective and it allows you to tell that negative part of your brain to “give it a rest.” If you’re looking for a simple solution that reminds you to do this on a daily basis, look no further than “The Five Minute Journal.”

“The Five Minute Journal” is a simple structured format based on positive psychology research that reminds you to start and end each day with gratitude. And be careful, because TFMJ claims that side effects may include: increased happiness, better relationships, and becoming more optimistic. My awesome neighbor Janet told me about this book earlier this morning, and it inspired me to make a list of the five things I’m extremely grateful for… today. Who knows what I might be grateful for tomorrow, but I’m going to guess it somehow involves cheddar cheese or Sriracha.

#5 My Amazing Family

I’m one of the fortunate ones that grew up with an insanely supportive and kind family. An amazing father, awesome sister, and incredibly cool stepmother and step siblings. I also just so happen to have a remarkable 96-year old grandmother who is basically a walking human Hallmark card, and a plethora of generous aunts, uncles and cousins. Believe me, I know how rare this is and how lucky I am.

#4 My Health

Sure, it’s a cliche, but every day you wake up healthy, you have to be grateful for it. Your health could change any given day, so always take advantage of the days when you’re fortunate enough to be one of the healthy ones.

#3 My Legendary Cat Named “Hansel”

Hansel has been my Los Angeles partner in crime for over 16 years now. The result of a failed relationship when I first moved to LA, Hansel (named after the movie “Zoolander”) has been about as much of a bro as a cat is capable of being. He may have one ear down, but The Hanselator is always on the up and up.

#2 My Chewbacca Slippers

It’s starting to get much cooler this week, but luckily my Chewbacca slippers are there to keep my feet nice and toasty warm. I don’t do it all for the Wookie, but they certainly do a lot for my tootsies in the fall and winter seasons.

#1 Cinnabon Gooey Bites

From Chewy to gooey, Cinnabon has finally done what they should’ve accomplished over a decade ago. Create a line of miniature frozen Cinnabon Gooey Bites! It’s a home dessert revelation, and easily the most socially acceptable way to consume a Cinnabon without feeling guilty for the next 48 hours.