'Tis the Season to be Grateful and All Year Round

The holidays are such a magical time of the year. It's a time in which many count their blessings as they gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. With only a few days before the New Year, many are gearing up to make significant changes in their life to live their best life. One of the ways in which we can all live our best life is with gratitude.

Being grateful is a way of acknowledging all that you have been blessed with and is something that should be practiced every day. According to research conducted by psychologists Michael McCollough and Robert Emmons, those who practice being grateful on a daily basis were much more optimistic, enthusiastic and energetic.

The results of the research are easy to understand because those who spend time being grateful are focusing on being positive, rather than negative. When you have a mindset of positivity, you will be much more likely to experience greater happiness and success in your life. It is like looking at the glass half full rather than half empty.

The fact is, most of us can find something to be negative about. However, those who want to live a life of success and happiness will turn their attention to the positive. The law of attraction states that what we give our thoughts and attention to is what we’ll receive in return. Oftentimes those who are unhappy tend to be focused on all of the things they don't have, rather than the things they do have. So, if you are focusing on the negative, that is what you’ll continue to get in return. However, if your focus is on the positive, you're more likely to experience the positive in your life.

Be grateful for all of the things you have been blessed with, whether big or small, and spend time enjoying what you have. Remember, there is always someone less fortunate than you who would be thrilled to have what you have. You may have a job you hate; however, there is someone out there who is unable to feed their family because they don’t have a job.

One of the best ways to express your gratitude each day is with a Gratitude journal. Jody Maley, an entrepreneur and mentor, acknowledges that there are many ways in which she expresses her gratitude throughout the day. "I have placed little reminders throughout the house. For example, I have written on my fridge the words "Attitude of Gratitude!” I also play a game with my youngest daughter, who is seven, just before she goes to bed...."name 3 things you are grateful for today," says Jody.

For true happiness and success, I personally believe it is so important to spend time being grateful. So, no matter what it is, set aside some time to give thanks for all of the things you have been blessed with and you may just be surprised at the results. Start your New Year with an attitude of gratitude.