The practice of gratitude as a tool for happiness has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster rate of recovery from surgery.

But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, it still can be difficult to sustain. So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in our lives. And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, it needs to become more than just a Thanksgiving word. We have to learn a new way of looking at things, a new habit. And that can take some time.

That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing.

Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are whitewashed or ignored. It’s more a matter of where we put our focus and attention. Pain and injustice exist in this world, but when we focus on the gifts of life, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.

There are so many things to be grateful for!

Here are a few on my personal list:

autumn leaves

the full moon, especially in summer

my daughter

good friends

dark chocolate

books, and then more books

being healthy

the beauty of nature

….

What’s on your list?

Here a few ways on how to access the Power of Gratitude

See if any may speak to you and give it a try!

•  Keep a gratitude journal. When I first started out, I really couldn’t see ANYTHING that I could put on my list, because I was quite focused on what wasn’t working. The simple things have the same right to be on that list than a life-changing event. Just list things you are thankful for. Especially the ones you may be taken for granted. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. I did it daily, and the shift I experienced in a short amount of time was incredible.

If you need help, you can download HERE your free gratitude journal!

•  Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your nighttime routine. We do it often at dinner time!

•  Look for the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.

•  When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.

•  Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. The more we notice what’s good, the more good come our way.

As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling.

That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.