Gratitude is one of my favorite topics because I have found it to be the secret to my happiness.  When we focus on what we are thankful for, we can’t possibly be unhappy.  I love this season because it is the time of year when many people turn their focus toward gratitude.

I think one of the best ways to ensure you have a great day is to begin it in a state of gratitude.  Whether it be writing in a gratitude journal, just thinking about what you are grateful for when you first wake up in the morning, or beginning your day with a guided gratitude meditation, they are all ways to make sure your day is started in a positive light, and that sets the tone for the rest of the day.

I believe every person and experience we encounter each day is a gift.  When I first wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is write in my journal and write about some of the things I am most thankful for (a new day, my health, family, etc.).  I also pray for help in recognizing and appreciating the gift in each person and experience I will encounter that day.

For the past 17 days, I have also added a new gratitude exercise to my daily routine.  I have been doing a guided meditation called “21 Days of Gratitude”.  Each day has a different theme and mentor.  The mentor for today’s meditation (Day 17) is Panache Desai, who is one of my favorite spiritual teachers.  His voice is calm and relaxing and is a meditation in itself.  There are 4 days left in the program, but you can go back and listen to the meditations from some of the previous days as well.  You need to register with your e-mail address, but it is free.   The meditations each day are about 12-13 minutes, and in my opinion, certainly worth the time out of my day to ensure the day begins in a positive way and is filled with gratitude.  I highly recommend checking it out!  🙂

Peace & blessings! 🙂

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart