It's actually that simple.
Wanting what you already have, rather than having what you want, is the key to joy.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for creating true happiness and is a key technique in positive psychology. Wouldn't it be great if we could somehow inject gratitude into kids at an early age to avoid the "need it now" mentality and maybe even manage to combat a bit of depression, jealousy and anxiety in the process?
Two years ago I set about teaching my children the power of gratitude by learning how to switch negative emotion into gratitude and joy. I gave them each a gem stone which I call "Happy Thanks" and encouraged them to carry it around with them. That was how book two (which is now book five ... are you keeping up with me?) was written. "A Pocket Full of Happy Thanks" is one of the manuscripts I pulled out of the box this week and dusted off for some time in the sunshine. It's time to start looking for a Publisher for this little project.
This week I am grateful for the gift of gratitude and the opportunities that continue to present themselves.
I am also grateful for Maxabella who continues to promote the gratitude concept every single week. Pop on over to see what other are grateful for.
Oh absolutely, then gratitude is contagious!! Spread the love, spread it, with gratitude!! Love Posie
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. Being grateful is so important and the only road to happiness. xx
ReplyDeleteHow great that you have taught your kids gratitude! Such a nifty little way as well! Looking forward to hearing how you go looking for a publisher :)
ReplyDeleteDid you know that people who are grateful live longer and are actually happier?
ReplyDeleteThere is NOTHING bad about it. So, let's sing from that silver lining!
xx
I'm trying to be grateful for my iphone and not resentful that at the moment it is chewing up every one of the comments I write to you on it! ;) . You are so right, gratitude is a wonderful gift to be given and to be taught to receive. My children are really getting it and for that I am so grateful :)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree - being grateful is truly life changing. This summed it up for me "wanting what you already have, rather than having what you want, is the key to joy." x
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