Your Zen minute: This is something so easy and so effective. The simple act of lifting your shoulders to your ears and then letting them fall feels so good — like you are opening a door for the stress to leave.

And wow! We are at the end of the month and the end of the Gratitude Challenge. What changes are you noticing? Are you now looking at things in a more positive way? I challenge you to keep this practice going. It takes maybe five minutes out of your day, and look at all the benefits it brings you! Don’t save your gratitude list for Thanksgiving — live it every day. Here is your last set of prompts:

• Day 25: What is a place that fills you with a sense of wonder?
• Day 26: What prayer or wish of yours has been answered?
• Day 27: What is the best gift you ever received?
• Day 28: What is something you created that you are proud of?
• Day 29: What are your favorite flavors?
• Day 30: What is something about yourself that is pretty cool? Make this a long list, because you are pretty cool!

What did you think of this monthlong Gratitude Challenge? Did it make a difference for you? Please let us know at shorelines@northshorebank.com, and thanks again for your participation! —Pat Ingelse, AVP, PMP