Before speaking up, I remember two fundamental principles of mindfulness and compassion that are helpful at times like these; the one who responds to a conflict determines its course, not the one who starts it; and, pay attention even when it hurts.

I step back, take a hard look at the facts, and recognize that while the situation may be annoying today, and – I don’t kid myself – could get worse before it gets better, I know that I have to remain calm in order to deal with it and to get on with the other things that make up my life.

You don’t have to be outside to take a gratitude walk; you can ground yourself by walking slowly and deliberately anywhere, even upstairs at your in-law's house.

Children place a stuffed animal on their tummies and pretend that they're rocking it to sleep with the up and down movements of their breathing.