There’s one thing I know about gratitude; it unlocks the secret to happiness. I always say that ones character can be seen by how thankful they are. I also have great respect for people that know how to recall the good others have done for them in the past. And, I truly believe that the person that shows the same appreciation to the person that blesses them in a small way to the one that blesses them in a large way, is the one who truly has a grateful heart.

Whatever way we are blessed by the people around us, we need to be conscious about giving back to them. We have both kinds of people in our lives. Those who bless us in little ways in our every day routine and those that are there, blessing and helping in life changing moments. Most of the time  those individuals who’s kindness to us is life changing monetarily, don’t really need gifts. Showing them gratitude by giving them our time, loyalty and listening ears are so important to them. On the other side of the coin, we have those that make our lives easier on a daily basis like staff, sales ladies, family members and friends. Their assistance and thoughtfulness should be recognized as well. I tell you, dear readers, happiness  and inner joy are the instant effects of living in gratitude.

I revert to this book that taught me a great deal about being thankful. It’s called The Simple Abundance Companion by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I read it when I was a young mom. It taught me to list five things I am grateful for every night. This habit made a lot of difference in my life. I found myself thanking God for being able to wake up and have my senses in tact, to the food I had for breakfast, to the restaurant I ate in earlier, to the pleasant phone calls I had w friends throughout the day and so on. Then, I started to list down even the mundane things like the imported toothpaste I was using, to the pretty shoes I was putting on, to the pleasant smell of the perfume I was spraying.

Mark my words, dear readers, when you start being grateful about the smallest things, you will be so overwhelmed by the big things. This practice left a mark in my heart. I, in turn, am now, so grateful this book crossed my path because it has shaped my views on gratitude and has given me a deep sense of contentment.

Ingrates and sense of entitlement sicken me. If I see it in my children, I  call their attention. If I see it in family members or friends I am close enough to, I point it out lovingly. When I see it in people who are never content or are  stubborn about learning to be grateful, but am not close enough to tell, I feel deeply sorry for them. If only everyone in the universe could practice this, the world would definitely be a happier place. Sharing this with you is making me so excited because I guarantee, that once you start this habit, your life will change dramatically.

This I am certain of; a grateful heart is a happy heart coupled with a very joyful spirit.

grateful for encountering this book way back, for this pretty cup and saucer from a very dear friend, and for the bouganvilla flowers i picked from our garden…

My challenge to you: list down five things you are grateful for every night, for one month. Be conscious of thanking God throughout the day for even the smallest thing, also for one month. See how your heart will transform. I’d love to hear your experience, after a month. Send me a comment on the comment section of this post.

Be Inspired!