6 Ways Gratitude Can Improve Your Life and Make You Happier

Being Thankful Means Less Worry   “I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude.” ~Brené Brown For the longest time I sought after happiness in the wrong place, and I wasn't always leading with my heart to obtain joy. I used to picture myself living in a big house, with nice things to furnish and fill the fantasy home I dreamed of. I didn't obtain this large dream home, and I've learned that it's not important, nor is it what I want. I've been fortunate to live in a moderate home with exactly the things I need, and more—a happy, healthy, loving family. Prior to gaining the wisdom of wanting less, I spent a lot of money on material items, because, one, I thought I deserved it on a good day, because I was “celebrating,” or I worked too hard not to have it; two, I told myself I had to shop on a bad day, because I needed to cheer myself up; three, I shopped out of boredom; or four, I went shopping as a social activity. After collecting these possessions of “happiness,” I realized my life wasn't totally fulfilling and satisfying. In fact, I eventually became short-tempered, overwhelmed, and stressed out. I was overwhelmed with the amount of maintenance these material things required, while caring for my family. My belongings took over my life, and, therefore, I lost myself underneath everything. I started to hate what I was becoming—someone who wasn't consistently happy, and someone that lost track of what mattered most. My perspective on life changed when my daughter came into my world in 2014. A few months after her arrival, I made a change that has significantly changed me for the better and brought more happiness by Practicing Gratitude and Living Simply Being thankful for the essentials—appreciating what I already have—has allowed me to live more simply. It’s also revealed these benefits… 1. You're better able to be present. Being thankful reminds us of what we have to be grateful for in our current state, and that helps us be more present. I used to worry more about what I didn't have and seemed to constantly strive for these things. That changed when I figured out how to be thankful for what I have and in the most important place—the present. There's no better moment than the now. Practice gratitude to enable yourself to be entirely present. 2. It boosts confidence. When you focus on appreciating what you have, you feel less concerned about what you lack, and that can help boost confidence. Now that I'm more accepting of myself and my life, I don't compare myself to others and I take pride in paving my own path. It's a great feeling to do things that are best for me and my family, without trying to please the rest of the world. 3. Being thankful means less [...]