My favorite people to be around are those who seem happy to just be alive. And I’m not talking about the ones who are weirdly happy all the time or annoyingly optimistic. I’m talking about friends who make the most of each day by appreciating the opportunities they have and the people around them. They seem to just…get it.
While everyone has their good and bad days, there are certain people from various stages of my life that have been so refreshing to know. Their positive demeanor yet down-to-earth mentality is almost infectious.
A common trait I’ve noticed in all of these people is that they don’t take things for granted. They’re not jealous or spiteful; they just seem content with the present, being excited about the little things. They have this way of making life feel lighter and more fun, which is why I strive to mimic their attitude.
There are a few quotes that, whenever I read them, make me think of these inspiring people from my past. One such quote is: “It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy.”
Most people tend to believe they need more or better of something to be happier—but that’s not really how it works. Sometimes the people who allegedly “have it all” are the least happy; and those who don’t have much are the happiest. That’s why I think there’s so much truth to this “thankful people who are happy.”
Whether you want to start a gratitude journal (writing down something every day that you’re thankful for) or just want to be more aware of the goodness around you (trying to really appreciate what you DO have), it seems that practicing a bit of gratitude each day makes a world of a difference.
So as we start another week, heading back to the daily grind, I encourage us all to “start each day with a grateful heart.” And maybe we can end up becoming the people we admire so much.
