“In daily life… it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratitude that makes us happy.” – David Steindl-Rast

For me, the simple exercise to express gratitude has been, by far, the easiest way of being and staying happy. 

Writing my gratitude list down sets the tone for a grateful day. Texting my wife things about her which I’m grateful for, invites love into my marriage. Texting my friends that I’m grateful for them makes them feel good while reminding me how lucky I am to have good friends. Thanking my employees for doing a great job strengthens their commitment to our company and reminds me that I’m fortune to have them on my team. Letting my kids know how much I love them puts my focus on my gratitude for them, overpowering any feelings of frustration I may be having. 

Gratitude is an amazing tool, and the more I use it, the more ILML!

— JamieQ