Gratitude: The Secret to a Happy Life
Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more. (Brother David Steind-Rast)
I begin my prayers by giving thanks. I’ve always done this because as a Latter Day Saint that’s what I was taught to do–always give thanks before asking for anything. Sometimes I just give thanks and don’t ask for anything at all.
Studies have shown that people who are grateful have better emotional and physical health. I’m not suggesting that you go around ignoring the bad things. Acknowledge them but also acknowledge what is good in your life.
Every new day presents itself with so much to be grateful for, even on the worst days. When we moved to England, my family and I had a lot of troubles. We had no place to live, we were running out of money quickly and we had no were to turn for help. No matter how bad our circumstance got, we found something to laugh about everyday. We found things to be grateful for when we prayed together every night.
Gratitude should not come in the form of comparisons. It’s not about being grateful for what you have that others don’t. We each have our situations in life to deal with. Gratitude should be recognizing the good in your life. It should be recognizing the small joys you receive everyday.
I like to go for walks. Near my place their is a nice country trail to walk on. When I go for a walk on that trial or anywhere else for that matter, I can’t help but be grateful for the beauty of this world that I live in. When I eat a delicious meal (food is very important to me) I’m grateful. These are small things on there own, but all together these small things make my life joyful.
Notice the good things around you. The beauty of nature. The people you love. The little things that help you get through the day and give thanks for them. As you do you’ll notice the happiness in your life increase.
This article was featured in The Seventeenth Edition of the Carnival of Improving Life.
Photo by Sukanto Debnath
Seventeenth Edition of the Carnival of Improving Life…
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