I loved this video! It pinpoints the power of gratitude perfectly, in a simple and understandable manner.

Over the years, I’ve talked non-stop about the role of gratitude in our every day lives. It seems, no matter what I would talk or write about, gratitude always came up.

It always came down to gratitude…

No matter what’s happening in my life, if I stop to really feel gratitude for the wonderful people and things in my life, then it always changes the way I feel about whatever not so great thing is happening to me.

Did I mention always???

I wrote an e-book several years ago about gratitude (I had considered updating it and putting it out there again but didn’t want to bother if there wasn’t interest) and it was a small but practical guide, perfect for someone just starting to use gratitude in their life.

It’s amazing how something can seem like such a great idea but when you actually do it, the results are so much different than you had hoped. Such was the case for me with that book.

I had hoped it would generate enough income to cover my expenses. It did… For 2 months. (I don’t mean it sold like hotcakes for two months - I mean it sold a few copies and covered a whopping 2 months’ expenses!)

And I’m grateful for that.

For so many reasons:

No matter what has happened in your life, or is currently happening, there is so much to be grateful for!

I know I get stressed (usually with money - it’s been my thorn in my side and personal challenge) and in those times I feel backed against the wall, chest in a vice, don’t know where to turn, that I find myself looking to gratitude to change my focus.

And by changing my focus from what I DON’T have to what I DO have, I feel a different energy. Sort of like changing I HAVE to over to I GET to (another trick when I find myself griping about something I have to do.)

Other times, outside influences to boost your mood present themselves.

For example, as I was writing this, I heard something outside my window. I got up to see what it was and peeked out the window. It was two small birds in the tree by my front porch, playing. They were “talking” to each other and playfully flying around. It was adorable…

And I’m grateful I got to witness it.

When I was married, I used to sit and write and listen to the birds and my then-husband used to say, “Those f&*%$#g birds should be shot!” And I’d just smile and enjoy their music that didn’t cost me a thing (other than the weekly car wash since I parked under that tree.)

I have just learned over the years that no matter what is happening to me, there is always, always, always something to be grateful for.

And the more I engage in practicing gratitude, the easier it becomes…

Who knows, I may write another book on it.

This time, for me…