Gratitude’s Baby
If gratitude had a baby, it’s name would be happiness. If happiness had a baby, it’s name would be kindness. Gratitude begets happiness and happiness begets kindness. These are two lessons I continue to learn every day.
Whenever there is a time I don’t feel happy, I remind myself to pause and begin thinking about all the things I have to be grateful for and I immediately begin to smile. The little things like the ocean, stars, sun, moon, trees, grass, beautiful flowers and peanut butter (oh, how I love peanut butter). The big things like my family, friends, writing, this club and frozen yogurt (oh, how I love sweets).
I would run out of paper before I finished writing all the reasons I have to be grateful. Without intention, that gratefulness naturally leads to happiness. And when I’m happy, I smile more, I’m far more patient with others and I am kind.
I’d love to believe I’m always kind to everyone I encounter but I know that’s not the case. When I’m rushed or stressed, I know I’m not as kind to others as I’d hope to be. It’s during these times I have to be reminded to pause…be grateful…and allow my gratitude to elevate my attitude in that moment. The moment I do that, I notice everything around me begin to shift for the better.
Maybe it’s the endorphins -you know, those biochemical substances that give us a feeling of euphoria and well-being- that are released when we laugh. When we’re spending time with our family and friends, focusing on what is beautiful and lovely in our lives, that’s when everything seems to fall in place.
Yesterday, on our Facebook community page, I asked members what their husbands sometimes do that make them laugh. Just reading the responses made me laugh. I’ve heard it said that “happiness is fleeting.” I can’t say I completely agree with that statement. It seems to me that gratitude is what is fleeting and to find happiness, one need not look any further than the mirror.
Happiness is a choice, I’m often reminded. And my happiness begins the moment I open my eyes in the morning and whisper, “Thank you” and continues throughout the day with an overwhelming sense of gratefulness.
Question: What do you feel most grateful for today?
Until tomorrow…make it a great one!
Comments: With more than 70,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.
Fawn Weaver
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