Living with gratitude will change your perspective.

In January 2013 I began the Happy Day Moment Facebook Page, so every day for two years I have posted some words of encouragement, inspiration, motivation, hope  … a fragment of comfort, cheer, charity, wisdom…… #happydaymoment

And since I’ve deemed myself the Happyologist-of-the-internet, I’m going to always cheerlead the idea that we can choose to live with gratitude, that we can choose to be happy, no matter where we are in our journey, no matter what chapter of our story.

Gratitude is a life-changer. It does something to the human heart.

Even when I close my eyes at night and the day spills over my soul like a dark stain. Even when my heart is parchment. Even when the space between where I am and where I desire to be is a vast valley, and way too dry.

Even when……

So I breathe. I pray. I anchor myself to gratitude. I gather my words and share them with you.

[Tweet “Compassion isn’t waiting; it’s doing. Compassion isn’t watching; it’s helping. #happydaymoment”]

Most of all, let love be our guide.

Surrender the vain idea that you can please everyone. It can’t be done.

When external circumstances whip you around and threaten your joy, God’s love for you still abides.

When we care deeply for others, we will live along side them by bearing some of their pain and agony.

The commitment to love, forgive, and motivate others results in enriched and joyous relationships.

When there is a deep schism with those you loved, keep believing for harmony and understanding.

Let’s not just say we love each other, but let’s show it by our actions. Let’s do good to others.

[Tweet “Today, tell someone you’re proud of them, that they matter, that you think they’re awesome. #happydaymoment”]

Be gracious when you’re right. Be even more gracious when you’re wrong.

Think about apologizing – not as a matter of right or wrong – but simply to start over.

You don’t need anyone else’s permission to be happy.

Every day gives us a new story. A new beginning.

View your work as a chance to help others and to change the world. No matter what your work is.

Be more intentional about lifting up others rather than criticizing.

Be that friend who nourishes the goodness in others.

Pursue connection and friendship, and happiness will happen.

[Tweet “Don’t respond to unkindness with more unkindness. #happydaymoment”]

When you assess your present circumstances, work to paint a vision of a breakthrough for all the obstacles you’re facing.

When some situations appear impossible, there are still miracles.

Today look for opportunities to bless others and let your actions speaker louder than your words.

Clear your vision to see the everyday evidence of beauty and goodness despite your feelings of weariness.

Don’t be too sensitive about inconsequential matters.

It’s threatening territory to allow the opinions of others to continuously shape you.

Let the symphony of your life be unceasing gratitude.

Don’t beat yourself up for a lack of willpower, but give yourself compassion and you can bounce back from failure.

Don’t live for tomorrow. Live for today.

It’s wiser to pray about your problems than to talk about them.

What if we all became more mindful that every moment, every breath, that absolutely everything can become a gift from God?

Lift your need for control, your need to have all the answers, and drop those things into God’s hands.

Your Turn

Thanks for reading, and as always, I would love to hear from you. Post your comments below!

What I’m reading:

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

II Thessalonians

What I’m watching:

Parenthood on Netflix