Gratitude is the Spark to Happiness

How are you as an adult with your practice of gratitude, of saying thank you to yourself and all that you have surrounding you?  As a small child, most of us were encouraged to say our pleases and thank-yous.  I know as a mother, manners were a priority for me while raising my children.  As we grow and mature, gratitude may have gotten lost in the busyness of life, self-demands, and disconnect.

 

Every day, each minute and a single breath is a gift of life and one that deserves gratitude.  Why is gratitude important?  “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” per Harvard Medical School.

 

A simple “thank you” can make you feel better.  Does life ever seem hard, anxiously chaotic, stressful, or full of disappointment?  When we make and take the time to acknowledge the good we have, are capable of, and have around us, the fear and overwhelm that comes with challenging emotions can dissipate.  “Where focus goes, energy flows” is a mantra I often remind myself.  When I gesture a “thank you” to myself, to a service provided, and to the Universe for my daily gift of another day, a spark of happy energy can ignite just like rubbing two sticks together.

 

Life is full of many sticks.  Some sticks bring joy and others hurt.  I cannot control what often happens to me; however, I can control the reins of my reaction and self-story.  Maybe a “thank you” is not quick to happen at first.  I have come to learn that the Universe has a bigger plan for each of us.  That plan can be better felt and realized with an open mind and calm inner soul full of gratitude.  

 

I do my best to practice a “thank you” with any silver lining of anything that happens.  The silver lining can seem invisible or non-existent at times.  When I give myself space and time, ideas and thoughts can bubble up or come forward with how I should proceed.  Exercise practicing gratitude of what you do have is the “thank you” for some moments.  The rest of the “thank you” will unfold in time with the given liberty to take positive, and supportive action for myself.  Allow your sticks of life to gain energy creating that spark of happiness with patience and focus on the present moment.

 

I encourage you to practice gratitude each morning you awaken with a simple “thank you” for a new day, your breath, and all you are.  Gratitude is powerful and self-serving.  Mind your manners and say your pleases and thank-yous to yourself and those around you.  We are never too old or too wise to be less than 100% full of gratitude and deserving of that spark to happiness!

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette

 

Health & happiness,