Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that is very dear to my heart: gratitude. Or as I like to call it, wearing the “blue glasses.” I believe that gratitude is one of the essential building blocks for a happy and contented life. But are we automatically happier once we are more grateful?
Gratitude is a fundamental component of happiness. When we focus on the positive and express gratitude for it, our brains form neural pathways that contribute to feeling better and being more optimistic. Moreover, gratitude is also regarded by many psychologists as a form of “emotional intelligence.” This emotional intelligence helps us better understand and appreciate our own lives and the lives of others.
But what about the things and experiences that initially appear negative? Let’s be honest – negative events are part of life, and it is impossible to avoid them. What if within everything (at first glance) bad, there lies the true potential for maximum growth? From my own experience, gratitude takes you the furthest in moments you don’t like.
If you actively seek aspects for which you could be grateful in this situation, you will experience the true magic of life. It will make you engage with it in a different way. Gratitude helps limit negative thoughts and emotions, thereby having a positive effect on your mental and physical health.
Does that mean you should never get upset? Of course, you’re allowed to. Just quickly return to wearing the blue glasses. Look at the experience through a different lens and ask yourself, what could this thing be telling you now? “What if this experience is not against me but for me? If life were trying to give me a hint about where I may not have been authentic or honest with myself… If this experience could have a positive outcome… what would it be?”
You may consider this as nonsense, but it has opened doors for me that I didn’t know existed for me. Believe in yourself, trust life, and be fascinated by what you are and what you do. Every day, a little bit more. And perhaps this inspirational letter every Sunday supports you in that. Or one of my books. Or a quote from one of the greats of this world. Or an appreciative word from a loved one. Or your own smile in the mirror.
You’re on the right track. The important thing is to move forward every day with renewed courage. And that is your job on this journey called life. You need to do one step after the other one.
I believe in you.
