Do you want to be happy? Choose gratitude. It seems so simple but it’s true! Very rarely do we just take the time to look around and be grateful. Studies have shown that the simple act of being grateful can reduce symptoms of depression, change your outlook on life, and lead to happiness.

Can Gratitude Really Lead To Happiness?

Instead of only feeling gratitude during certain times of the year (the holidays), or when you feel obligated, why not focus on gratitude all year long? Yes, it may seem like a chore, but what if gratitude gives you the happiness you have been searching for?

But, I Don’t Have Anything To Be Grateful For!

Focusing on things you are grateful for can be difficult in the beginning, especially if you are not used to focusing on gratitude or going through a difficult time in your life. For me, it is difficult to focus on gratitude when it’s that time of the month when I am suffering from PMS or PMDD my initial focus is on the negative not the positive. During this time of the month, I have to make a continuous effort to focus on things I am thankful for.

How Do I Begin…

My philosophy is to keep things simple. Why complicate things and make them more difficult than they need to be?

Begin by looking for small things around you, that you are grateful for. It can be your friends who give you love and support. Or your dog whose tender nose always brings a smile to your face. Eventuallly, by focusing consistently on things that make you happy, you will view your life through happiness.

Choosing What To Be Grateful For…

Many of us (including me) are usually grateful when we receive material things like a gift or the latest piece of technology, but focusing on immaterial things, like your health really puts things in perspective.

Studies have shown that the art of being grateful is the true catalyst or a vehicle that can lead to happiness. Recently, In Havard Health Publishing, an article was written regarding a research study that found that Gratitude could lead to happiness. Other studies found similar findings HERE,  HERE, and HERE 🙂

What Can I Do Today?

Below are a few simple tips that can help you get started on your road to gratitude and happiness:

Create A Gratitude Jar

I have a small mason Jar that sits next to my desk. Whenever the feeling comes, I write down what I am grateful for and I add it to the Jar. At the end of the year, I will open up all my notes and relish all the wonderful things that happened in the past year.

Get A Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal is the same sort of concept as the gratitude jar, but something you review whenever you would like. Take 5-10 minutes during your day to write something that you were grateful for during your day. Don’t get caught up in it being something amazing (like meeting your soulmate). It could be something as simple as getting to your local Starbucks without a line (Win Win, lol), or someone holding a door open for you. Eventually, you will be grateful for more things throughout your day and life. 

Volunteer

Volunteering has a way of putting things in perspective. Helping those who are less fortunate monetarily or health-wise will help you feel like you are contributing to society in a positive way. It also makes you feel good! By volunteering, you will put your life in perspective.

Spend Time In Nature

There is something about spending time in nature that makes us feel more connected to the earth and its magnificence. Admire the trees, the air, and the flowers. Stand in awe of the fantastic place the world is. This quiet time can help you work through any thoughts or issues you may have or give you a moment to breathe.

See The Good In Others

Change your perspective on how you see others. Remember the good people have done for you, no matter how small it is. Remember the time your friend paid for your lunch or the many nights your mother watched over you when you were sick as a child? If you think about the good in people negative thoughts will fall by the wayside.

After reading this post, I hope you are well on your way to acquiring the Happiness you deserve!

Check Out This Cool Video with 3 Million views on Gratitude and Happiness!