Gratitude
Striving for happiness and being happy are separated only by perspective. One is believing that happiness is in the future while the other is believing that happiness is here now.
To begin moving from believing that things and events in the future will make you happy towards believing that the things in your life today make you happy is an exercise in gratitude.
Being gratuful for what you have, who you are, and what you’re doing is an important element in a happy and content life. In fact, being grateful is also comprised of two parts: recognizing the things you are grateful for, and showing your gratitude towards others.
What are some things I am grateful for?
- Having a job that allows me to live comfortably
- Living in a metropolitan area that allows me opportunities to see and interact with a variety of people and cultures
- Having a girlfriend who is committed to me
- Having a few good friends around to share deep thoughts with
- Having a few new friends to get to know and share new experiences with
- Overall good health
This should be an exercise to do daily and I will strive to do this. The next part is to show gratitude.
How can I show my gratitude?
- Let those close to me know that I appreciate them by telling them, spending time with them, talking and listening to them
- Giving money to a charity as monetary appreciation
- Encourage others
