What is there to be grateful for?

What is there to be grateful for? This is a question that can be interpreted two different ways: negatively or positively. If interpreted in the negative, it would be something like this, “I am miserable, therefore what IS there to be grateful for?” If interpreted in the positive, it would be something like this, “What is there to be grateful for? I have SO many things to share, so let me begin the list…!”
We have all been in dark places in our lives where it is difficult to feel grateful. We get so absorbed in unhappy things effecting our lives (such as job dissatisfaction, job loss, illness, body image, personal issues, etc.) that it is easy to become consumed with negativity. Even the simple pleasures in life are difficult to see/enjoy. You feel lost, alone, in a rut, you have no energy, and the desire to excel at anything is gone. I know some of you are nodding your heads as you read this because either you feel that way now, have in the past, or know someone who is experiencing this and you want to help.
Well, it is time to turn those negative thoughts around! As my husband,
John Cartus has taught me, life is too short to be miserable! There IS so much to be grateful for, as life is full of a myriad of wonders! I am not a fatalist with the attitude that “everything happens for a reason, therefore I have no control over anything.” On the contrary! If you are unhappy, think of WHY and what you can do to change that. It is up to YOU to be accountable for your happiness. If you feel bogged down by monetary issues, start researching viable options that can ease the burden. If you feel trapped in a hopeless relationship, muster up strength to pull yourself out! Nothing is easy, but anything IS possible if you set your mind to it. There might be setbacks along the way, but find a way to be INSPIRED and supported.  Perhaps you have an awesome network of family and friends that you can tap into for help.  I know I have had to do that many times during my adult life.
I am grateful for being alive for almost 55 years; especially for my husband; my parents, Bill and Sharron Rich;  my three daughters, Christine, Heidi, and Sheila,  for my friends, for my health, for simple pleasures, and for many, many other things!
We all need to SMILE more, LAUGH more, SHARE more, LOVE more, FORGIVE more, EMPOWER more, EMBRACE and ACCEPT differences, and above all, be GRATEFUL.
So, I again ask the question, “What is there to be grateful for?” and I know that you are now only thinking in the positive! Start your list TODAY! It will be a great value to you, and to your overall happiness, as you march forward in life.