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Having a sense of gratitude about the people and things in your life is another way of feeling happy with what you have. Take a few minutes before bed to list the good things that happened today, from enjoying your favorite cup of coffee to meeting a great new friend. It’s not the big events in life that make us happy but the small, almost unnoticed, things that add up to a satisfying life.

The only constant you will have in your life is your relationship with yourself. People will come and go, material possessions can be taken away or lost, but you will always remain. And how you feel about yourself will make a big difference in how you interpret your life.

Remember—you can’t change your weight, finances, or job in a day, but you can always change your thinking. While thinner thighs or a fatter bank account would be nice, true happiness can only be found by viewing your life—and yourself—in a positive light. You are more than your body, your house and car. By appreciating your blessings, and focusing on the positive—you can be happy right now, at this moment—so stop waiting for future happiness when it can be yours today!
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About The Author

Leanne Beattie Leanne Beattie
A freelance writer, marketing consultant and life coach, Leanne often writes about health and nutrition. See all of Leanne's articles.

Member Comments

  • Great article.I think everyone probably has one thing that happen in a days time that they can be happy about. It doesn't hurt to smile and it is pretty. - 10/15/2012 7:54:50 AM
  • I feel that I'm on my way to that kind of happiness. It's nice to read it . - 9/11/2012 10:44:06 AM
  • Perfectly said! It so true that in our quest to strive for better, we become so fixated on it that we forget to enjoy the ride! - 9/8/2012 7:32:38 PM
  • Thanks for the reminder, as much as know and believe mind over matter, sometimes I need to be kind to myself and let myself feel whatever it is that is upsetting, then move on and not feel guilty which is what I often do. I feel guilty because I am very well aware that there is always someone worse off then whatever I am experiencing at the moment. Believe me when I say, the things that upset me are not trivial but do impact the lives of me and my children, like healthcare. - 9/3/2012 8:06:12 PM
  • Great Reminder! so true for Christians as well, that is why we must renew our minds daily. Gratitude and living in today makes a huge difference. Happiness is a choice! - 9/3/2012 8:14:45 AM
  • WANDERINGSMITH
    very well said! - 9/1/2012 2:39:10 PM
  • I'm so glad I read this today! It's so easy to get caught up in the "I don't have ..."attitude that it is all too easy to forget what we do have. - 8/31/2012 1:25:53 PM
  • Today is so good! My son lost his keys two months ago at the Marriott Newport Coast. They arrived via FedEx!!!! I do believe that is the key to my happiness!!!! Finding the pure JOY is lost Keys found!!!
    We had to put my sweet English Springer Spaniel down today. He was 15 and needed to walk the streets of heaven!!! - 8/30/2012 6:10:36 PM
  • TURNINGTABLES21
    Loved this. Absolutely loved this. Thank you. - 8/30/2012 5:23:32 PM
  • great article - something to go by each day - positive thinking - 8/30/2012 4:00:10 PM
  • Great article. The world says "You deserve"..fill in the blanks.. This attitude, that happiness exist in something outside of ourselves, is a big cause of suffering. Constantly craving is a miserable state of affairs and has nothing to do with the thing sought. Learning to be, here, now, and allow what is to be, is a good way to live in peace.

    Examine craving closely. It's never what it seems to be. - 8/30/2012 3:00:06 PM
  • Awesome article! - 8/30/2012 2:37:14 PM
  • PEGGYJEAN13
    Thank you for "hitting the nail on the head". All change begins with a personal committment but life does not stop while we are in the metamorphisis! We cannot base our happiness on things or plans because stuff happens and we have to find happiness in all situations. - 8/30/2012 1:21:35 PM
  • What a great article. I truly needed a dose of perspective. Thank you! - 8/30/2012 12:13:59 PM
  • BAMAJAM
    This article is excellent! Having the spirit of gratitude does bring happiness to life...indeed! - 8/30/2012 12:08:12 PM