A former student of mine, who is now the founder of a successful health and fitness company, is fond of the simple slogan, “Choose Gratitude.” And now he’s gotten it stuck in my head.

I think I’ve always been generally grateful, but the idea of consciously choosing gratitude has been a powerful tool for a healthier outlook on life.

Ralph Brongo, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Palmyra-Macedon Central School District

If you’re reading this, chances are that you have it pretty good. We work in education, one of the most rewarding and fulfilling endeavors there is. We have access to some of the best health care in the world. We live in a time and place of such abundance that some of our greatest struggles are with attempts to consume less! We have colleagues who volunteer their time to serve on wellness committees devoted to making our lives even better. And we’re surrounded by family and friends who love us. These gifts are cause for gratitude in all of our lives — not just once a year or once a week, but all of the time.

A little change in perspective can make choosing gratitude even easier. Does summer have you feeling a little too warm, or thirsty, or hungry? Watch an episode of “Naked and Afraid” on Discovery Channel; the contestants shed tears of joy over a few ounces of drinking water or a meal of grasshopper. Worried about how you’ll afford a summer vacation? Look yourself up on globalrichlist.com to see how your situation compares to those of 7 billion other humans. Having some more serious problems? Read Laura Hillenbrand’s book, “Unbroken” — the story of Louis Zamperini’s survival during World War II — to be inspired by the extremes of human resilience.

If choosing gratitude resonates with you, you’ll probably also find that acting with gratitude comes as a natural extension. Choosing gratitude means cherishing your loved ones and treating your own health as a precious gift. It’s a wonderful way to live.

As you begin your summer, I encourage you to choose gratitude. All of the time.