Wellbeing

Wellbeing Focus: Shifting from “I Have To” to “I Get To”

At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, we continue to encourage our students and families to explore simple but powerful ways to build gratitude and a positive mindset. This week’s wellbeing focus invites us to reflect on how a small language change can shift our perspective.

A simple adjustment from “I have to” to “I get to” can help us reframe daily tasks and challenges as opportunities rather than obligations. This mindset encourages gratitude and helps us appreciate the everyday moments we often take for granted.

For example:

• I get to finish this assignment (because I’m receiving an education).
• I get to train after school (because I’m healthy and part of a team).
• I get to help at home (because I’m contributing to my family).

When we focus on what we get to do, we begin to see value and meaning in our responsibilities and routines, even when life feels busy or stressful.

Family Reflection:

Try using “I get to” instead of “I have to” this week. 

Discuss as a family how it feels to approach your daily routines with gratitude and notice how it changes your mindset.

GEM Chats – Gratitude

Creating Wellbeing Habits & Connection

As part of The Resilience Project, GEM Chats encourage families to practise gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness together. They offer a simple way to check in on wellbeing and strengthen family connections through meaningful daily conversations.

How to Use GEM Chats

Make GEM Chats part of your regular routine perhaps during dinner or while travelling together to reflect, share and focus on gratitude.

Try these prompts:

• What are you grateful for today?
• Share a moment that made you smile.
• How can you support someone tomorrow?
• What was the best part of your day?

By practising gratitude regularly, you begin to train your brain to notice the positives. After just 21 days of consistent practice, research shows you become up to three times more likely to recognise positive moments in your everyday life.

Building these small habits can make a big difference to your mindset, your resilience, and your connections with others.

At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, we encourage all families to take a few moments each day to enjoy a GEM Chat and build gratitude together.