gratitude

it’s my firm belief that gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in this world.  sometimes it’s the only saving grace we have when things feel harsh or worn-out.  some people don’t take the time to consider why they’re lucky, especially if they’re feeling particularly unlucky- which is the most necessary time to do it.  there have been numerous articles about gratitude and its impact on your physical and emotional well-being (here is a link to one published in the Harvard Mental Health Letter).  in a sense, gratitude really can help you fake it until you make it- by considering the positive side of your life, you change your attitude and your life, in turn, begins to change as well.

having lived in poverty for a long time, i am always reevaluating my circumstances and trying to check myself about the things i complain about.  today, while discussing the term “voluntary simplicity” with someone, i said jokingly that it seemed like the positive term for “broke”.  this made me think about basic human needs, and how bad off any of my friends or i actually are at the poverty levels we’re at.  it was then that i chanced upon this image.  i put it as my desktop background- to remind me of what i really have.