Reasons to be cheerful.

By Jane Comben

Count your blessings, gratitude or being thankful: call it what you like – being grateful can make us happier.

ONE:

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. (Harvard Medical School, 'In Praise of Gratitude')

Where to start? Some people recommend writing down 3 to 5 things a day that they're grateful for. The fact you're reading this means you have sight, are literate and have access to modern technology. That's 3 for a start. Others recommend appreciating the simple things in life, being present and enjoying each moment as it happens.

TWO:

I'm ashamed to admit it, but a while ago I was near tears having just seen a friend's beautiful home renovation. She's got a good eye and everything about it was lovely. Our place looked particularly dowdy in comparison. And there lies the key – "in comparison". I had to remind myself that while there are many who have a much nicer home than me, there are more that covet what I've got as an unattainable dream. As Fred Dagg would say, sometimes "We don't know how lucky we are".

THREE:

Problems, like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder. Whatever the problem (and you're sure to have some) there will always be someone who'd gladly swap. Or in other words, there is always someone worse off. Bad stuff happens. The challenge is to find the silver lining.

This post was inspired by an obscure record from my childhood called "Reasons to be cheerful:Part 3" by Ian Dury and the Blockheads. It was playing in the background as my son interupted my typing for an impromptu dance around my office. That's definitely going on the gratitude list!