Project Happiness Articles — GratiTuesday

I have given much thought to that age-old question of how we square pegs fit through a round hole; how we fit through the opportunities before us. And what I have found along that journey is that we have three answers – and therefore three options.

In a few short weeks it’ll be crazy busy again. But my ‘to do’ list today? Appreciate the present.

It was a beautiful summer day without a cloud in the pale blue sky. I was a happy-go-lucky nine-year-old, soon to be ten, without a care in the world. 

Through the pain and utter despair, I was shedding skin like a reborn snake. I was forming new rules to live by and leaving my painful past behind.

By shedding loving light on ourselves we find a new appreciation and reverence. We look at ourselves and others with more humanity, grace and compassion. 

Generous to the server, bought the kitchen staff a round of drinks, made fun of me at the movies, tipped his hat at the old ladies in the street…you know, a true gentleman.

I held her hand as we walked into the facility, gave her a copy of my favorite poem about a mother’s bond with her daughter, and hugged her tightly goodbye.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.

But what does a great friend do that sets them apart? What can we do to make sure we are being the best friend we can be to those we love?

The science is in! And it undoubtedly proves that gratitude is more than just a simple sentiment. Studies link gratitude to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, better sleep quality, reduced risk of heart disease, and better kidney function. But the benefits of living a life in gratitude extend much further than purely physical.