To be Happy, be Grateful

“The root of joy is gratefulness…It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”- David Steindl-Rast

One of the things that many unhappy people have in common is their failure to see the good in a bad circumstance or situation…The problem is not really their inability to get what they want, but rather it is the lack of appreciation to the things that they already have. So how can we fix this?- by having a grateful heart.

I believe that gratitude contributes a lot to a person’s happiness. It boosts optimism and positivism. You see, unlike the pessimistic who sees the thorns on a rose, the grateful person sees the lovely rose on the thorns. The negative person sees the heartaches and headaches of the trying times, but the grateful person sees every moment as an opportunity, including the moment of difficulties- since he knows that it is during times of struggles that our faith &  strengths are tested. The grateful person says thank you for the tough times because he sees it as opportunity to know his weaknesses and learns from the experience.

People who are grateful are happier because they can see that both good and bad experience is a gift of blessing. Hence, they have a larger appreciation for life.They are happier because it is easier for them to find joy in small things. They delight in the simple pleasures of life.

If we have a grateful attitude, we will never fail to find a reason to be thankful for everyday.  If you think you ran out of reason, all you have to do is stop, pause a moment and look at the world around you. Look up and thank God for the sun that’s keeping us warm. Smell the flowers and be at awe of their beauty. Close your eyes and feel the wind on your face. Listen to your heartbeat and be thankful that you’re alive.

Today, I am making my personal commitment to start and end each day of my life with gratitude… a free ticket to a happier life!

(photo source)

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Date Written: May 26, 2016