Happiness is a consequence

It's very early in the morning. There's a chill in the air. Around me the city awakes. I hear the cars on the freeway in the distance and I hear the birds wake up in the trees around me. My second cup of coffee tastes even better than the first one. My friend Sunrise is on the way and I'm happy.

I'm happy - have been for a long time and I intend to be happy for a long, long time to come. My life is not perfect and my business is not perfect. My country is not perfect and the world is not perfect. But I'm happy.

“Happiness is not a reward - it is a consequence. Suffering is not a punishment - it is a result” - Robert Green Ingersoll

I can't remember when I decided to be happy, or even if I consciously made the decision. My conscious decision to express my gratitude daily definitely plays a part.

Gratitude is a simple, yet powerful act. It's an affirmation of goodness. The recognition of the good things in the world. It's also the recognition of the sources of the goodness external to ourselves.

Here's my list of things to be grateful for today:
My family, friends and colleagues. (Top of my list everyday)
My health and my job.
Chilly autumn mornings.
Good coffee.
Opportunities and challenges - challenges are just opportunities in disguise.
Road trips (yes, there's an epic one around the corner!)
Orthopedic surgeons (I have an appointment with one this afternoon)

Research has shown that gratitude is good for our bodies. Gratitude strengthens our relationships and makes us more resilient. Gratitude makes us more compassionate.

Practice a little gratitude. It's simple and it's free. The benefits are priceless.
Increased happiness is one of the consequences of gratitude. And I'm grateful for that - it will be on my list tomorrow!