A Simple Secret to Happiness

Want to know a simple secret to happiness?

Gratitude.

Yes, it’s really that simple. [not always easy…I get that]

It is very beneficial to write down the things in your life for which you are grateful.  It can be as simple as a beautiful flower you saw on a walk or as profound as the love you have for your family. It can instantly put you in a new state of happiness and awareness of all your blessings.  When you do this on a day that is particularly trying, it actually has the power to change the focus and direction of your entire day!

butterflyonflower_gratitude1

There is nothing more powerful to change your perspective than to be grateful.

Life is always presenting challenges and ups and downs. We are constantly facing obstacles, getting past a hardship or starting a new, difficult endeavor.  Our character and strength have continuous opportunities to grow. Sometimes it is hard to understand why we have these challenges. Regardless of the scope or size of the challenge, there is always one thing these tough times have in common: the opportunity to grow. No matter how bad things are in our lives, there is always a reason to be grateful. By focusing on our purpose and blessings, we are able to put the negativity in its place.  When the negative becomes our sole focus we become self-absorbed and swallowed up by the problems. By focusing on what is good and right in our life, the bad things recede and become smaller and we experience an opportunity for growth.

A prayer of gratitude:

Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~

Take a Simple Step to Happiness right now…Get a pen and piece of paper. Make a list of what you are grateful for today (you can also include the past week, the past month).

Here are some items from my gratitude list:

* My loving husbandgratitude list_frame
* Fall foliage
* Incredible role models who are loving and supportive
* Cool friends
* Really exciting business opportunities
* …and so much more!

Note – I know sometimes there is a lot of anxiety around holiday travel and seeing family and friends. I encourage you write out your gratitude list on an index card that you can carry with you in your pocket or handbag. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the commotion of the holidays and being around people who may be making you uncomfortable, step aside (even into the restroom!) and review your gratitude list. It will instantly perk you up and give you the courage, stamina and strength to shift your focus to the blessings in your life.

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