Gratitude: The Key To A Happy Life

The Power of Gratitude leads to seeing more than just a silver lining

As families across America just gathered around Thanksgiving Day dinner tables, many gave thanks to the significant things in their lives over the past year. But what about the rest of the 364 days? Do we have things in our life to be thankful everyday? Here’s a closer look at the simple but powerful emotion of Gratitude and how being grateful for the little things can lead to the happiness we all crave.

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die;  so, let us all be thankful.”
- Buddha

As children we are taught to say ‘thank-you‘ to someone who gives us anything, but the more we begin to get, the more we believe we deserve and as adults, we soon forget that ‘Golden word’ and all it represents. Most of us use it out of habit without actually meaning it. Some of us only think it apt for the bigger things in life, but we need to recognize and express gratitude for every small blessing that comes  into our life.

“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.”
- Frank A. Clark

It’s not always easy to see the glass half full or to spot the silver lining in every cloud. It’s easier for some than it is for others. But the truth of the matter is we can ALL live lives of Gratitude with a little conscious effort. Start with life’s little things. The fact that you are reading this article right now means you have access to a computer, making you better off than almost half of the World. Be grateful. Like any habit, the more we practice it, the more natural it becomes even if it means forcing it in our lives. The outcome is quite spectacular.

Being appreciative for what we have received heightens our awareness of all the good things that surround us while playing down the “not so good”. A gracious attitude in everyday life leads to acceptance which resonates positive energy around us. In the end Good attracts Good. Gratitude is all in our perception and our perceptions can create the desired outcome. Just feeling grateful though isn’t enough, we have to learn to express this gratitude through words and our actions in order that our thankfulness touches the lives of those around us.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
-William Arthur Ward

When you are able to fully develop an attitude of gratitude your awareness increases ten fold. You begin to see the world in a different light. Even the darkest of clouds appear to have that silver lining and everything seems as a part of a bigger picture or the greater good. It’s a very freeing experience and soon enough you will realize a feeling of happiness and contentment in all aspects of your life!

*Photo credits: photos by me’nthedogs, Orin Zebest and saumilshah on flickr.

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