I have two dogs that are food obsessed. They get so wound up for breakfast and dinner.

"Nice story, BC. But what the hell does this have to do with anything?!"

See me through...

I never really prayed. I believe in God. I talked to God regularly. But never really prayed since I was kid. Talking seemed more "productive" or real then ritualistic/habitual prayers.

So back to my dogs. As a method to calm my dogs down when feeding them, I made them say prayers before every meal. Well, they have to lay in front of their bowls with the heads down and I say the prayers.

Twice a day we give thanks to God for all our blessings (and call them out specifically), we pray for those around us that need help, we acknowledge our weaknesses and pray for strength, and we ask God to help us overcome the evil in this world.

Every day, twice a day I think about all of the blessings I have and give thanks for them. Every day, twice a day I acknowledge my fears and my shortcomings and ask God to help me overcome them. Every day twice a day, I pray for those that need him most. Every day, twice a day, over 2 years now.

What started mainly as a way to calm my dogs before eating, has turned out to be God answering some of my prayers, as I find so much strength in it.

Not sure if you believe in God, but even if you don't, try it. If it makes you uncomfortable, don't pray to God, but twice a day... out loud... state all that you are thankful for (the small things count!) and acknowledge all the things you need to work on.

There is a lot of great advice on here from your frens. I hope you read it all and consider some of it.

Take care and God bless.