I know this for a fact: the secret to happiness is twofold .
First, you choose to be happy. And you keep choosing it, over and over.
Second, you make time to practice being grateful every day.

“Well, if I had something to be happy about, I would.  If I had something to be grateful for, I would. ”
Aha, the age-old conundrum: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Here’s the deal, you can always find something to be happy about and grateful for.  Then you will be both happy and grateful.

“Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation is the key to happiness.”
 – Marie Forleo

For example, let’s take Austin’s notorious traffic. You can be stuck in it and get angry and frustrated. You can curse all you want, honk your horn, even gnash your teeth. But, does that make you happy?
Or….you can take responsibility, acknowledge that traffic is a part of life here, and plan for it. Spend your time in transit listening to a book, some beautiful music, or a TED Talk. Make the choice to be happy.

Now for part two: spend a few minutes each evening reviewing your day and find three things you are grateful for.

My sweetheart and I used to do this aloud before we went to sleep at night. Now I spend time before bed writing about everything I am grateful for. And here’s the kicker – since what we focus our attention on is what we get more of in our life…this isn’t being altruistic at all. I’m being rather selfish, actually. I want more good things!

Let’s bring this plane in for a landing – if you choose to be happy, and focus on what you are grateful for, you will become happy and have even more to be grateful for. Simple, no?

Do this consistently (I learned last night that 40 days is the magical number) and your life will change for the better.
I guarantee it, or your money back!

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”
– Melody Beattie

I’m counting on more,
XO Donna