Gratitude

I was on the radio Monday being interviewed about the connection between our thoughts and our happiness. One point we discussed seemed to strike a number of listeners was this:
it is impossible to be sad, angry, or afraid at the same time you are feeling grateful. Gratitude - which research has shown to be one of the strongest happiness factors-activates our "serene brain" while de-activiating our "cave man or fear brain." Just as we can't be in two places at once, we can't be processing poor-me thoughts at the same time we are processing life-is-good thoughts. So...if you find yourself feeling stressed out from what's wrong with your life, you can feel better fast by listng all the things that are right, beautiful, and meaningful in your life. From as small a thing as you got all green lights on your way to work to as significant as you avoided an accident. Focus on things you might normally take for granted (the birds chirping and the rain for your flowers) as well as things you never expected (a kind word from your boss or finding a ten-dollar bill). Your health, your job, your firends, your humble abode. Your ear for music, eye for art, or talent for music. The opportunity to help someone. Life presents us with much to be grateful for. To be happy, spend more time giving thanks.