Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. 

-Melody Beattie

Sometimes in life we chase the illusive butterfly of happiness. We believe that buying things, a new relationship, a new job, a new location…all and more will make us happy. 

The question becomes, if we do not feel grateful for what we have,  then what makes us think we will be happy with more? Gratitude then, can be a mindset. It can be a practice. This does not mean we overlook or minimize the challenges in our lives. It just means we accept the challenges but we know there is more to our lives than the problems we have.

Some of the benefits of the gratitude practice is:

Better Mental Health: Less feelings of envy, resentment, frustration, and regret

More Resilience: If we focus on what we have instead of lack, we become more positive and cope with stress better.

Physical Health: Grateful people have fewer aches and pains and feel healthier.

A short exercise according to Don Miguel Ruiz, Jr.  Author of The Four Agreements is:

1. Find a quiet place where you can not be disturbed.

2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths

3. Focus on the present.  Find amazement in the little things 

4. Feel the Gratitude. Let it fill you up. Reflect on the things you are grateful for no matter how small.

5. Express Thanks. Either silently or aloud express your gratitude for these things.

If you can begin  this practice of gratitude it can help you to transform your perspective and can enhance your life and wellbeing.  It is your chance to cultivate more peace and joy in your life.