Gratitude Equals Happiness

Gratitude Equals Happiness For All You Have, Do, and Are

Gratitude Equals Happiness as I look upon the ‘things’ in my life. First of all, I’ve filled my home with mementos of the journey, from found childhood toys, to souvenirs from exotic places. Having triggers of memory floods my mind with images of past wonderful experiences with those I love. Secondly, my body fills with the ‘feel-good’ hormone, dopamine, with each memory. Dopamine is produced in several areas of the brain and sent throughout the body in several distinct pathways, including the anticipation of rewards place in the brain. Also, it impacts all major organs in a good way leading to better overall health. I say let’s trigger that dopamine as often as possible.

Gratitude equals happiness every time I do something enjoyable. Creating art, journaling, writing my book or blog, gathering with other artistic creatives, all touch my deep inner landscape of the Soul. These creative things I do for pleasure, actually feed my Soul. Another ‘doing’ experience that makes me grateful is walking in Nature. My body moves and remembers as I connect with the woods, beach, or mountains. I take deep breaths of the scents of the day, the smoke from fireplaces, the needles of the pines, the brisk wind off the sea, that alters my mood completely. In addition, every day even in the harshest of weather, I scour the woods from my home, seeking the racoon, bear, hawk, or wild turkey. I look for nature’s creatures several times a day. This act reminds me that there are more unexpected adventures waiting to be found if we just take the time to look. But even giving a few dollars at the Coffee Shop for the next person in line, makes me feel generous, helpful, and pleased. These body shifting triggers last for hours and fill my heart with happiness.

Gratitude equals happiness within my Being when done as simply as breathing. I’m thankful for all those wonderful soul-friends and family who encourage, love, and enrich me. I’m also grateful for those who walk away. Never chase after those who leave you. They lighten the load. Accept it as a part of life and cherish the ones who stay. They are your gold.

Consequently, as others touch me with their goodness, gratitude equals happiness becomes a way of life. This involves mindfulness in all my interactions. When I feel a heart to heart connection with others, gratitude becomes a part of who I Am. Then kindness really does feel like my natural state of Being.

In conclusion, I breathe in deeply of my favorite roland pine candle, surround myself with images of beaches and mountains, and gaze at the woods around me, relishing its beauty in every season. I begin each day thinking of 3 things I’m grateful for right in the moment. Gratitude equals happiness and love when I accept my loved ones exactly as they are, my life as I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and my world as one of my creation.  Here’s another practice to stay in gratitude every day from Tara Mohr. Join our Mystery School of Art to keep your creativity inspired. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!