The Gratitude Diaries and choosing happy!

On a recent trip to the library I stumbled across a book that, upon reading the title, instantly struck a chord with me. One phrase that I like to always try and remember is 'live a good life'. This can obviously mean a lot of different things to different people as it's open to much interpretation, but for me it centres around doing what I can to care for the earth, be kind to those that inhabit it (animals and humans alike!) and approach situations and life in general with a positive demeanor. Granted there are times when I fail at all three of these things, but it's my mantra and focus that I keep coming back to ever when I feel like I've blown off course. So the more specific idea of gratitude and how the 'practice' of it can influence your life was a subject I was very interested in reading about!

The Gratitude Diaries is written by Janice Kaplan and follows her life the year she started writing a gratitude diary and researching the effects and benefits of graditude along the way. There are references from many sources from philosophers to researchers to friends and Kaplan's own personal experiences of how gratitude has had an impact on her life. The book starts on New Year's Eve with the idea that people expect the ringing in of another year to create a new, better and happier future but not knowing how to achieve that goal. After a year of research and practice, including keeping a diary of things that made her grateful, looking on the positive side of life and nurturing her relationships, one of Kaplan's concluding thoughts is "bring the right mood and spirit to each day and you can create the best year of your life." I think this is a really powerful sentiment and also one that holds such truth! 

The power of positivity is often underrated but I do truly believe that the way you approach a situation completely influences your experience of it. It doesn't mean you aren't going to get caught out in a sudden downpour or splashed by a truck driving through a puddle next to you, but you can either be angry and annoyed that you're soaked and unprepared or you can laugh at the hilarity of it all and be grateful the sun is now out to dry you off and that you have other clothes at home you can change into or money to go to a shop and by a new pair of trousers. So much of how we feel about events is predetermined before they even happen because we spend so much time worrying about things but you can't predict what is doing to happen so really, what is the point?! Do your best to live in the present moment and each morning CHOOSE to be happy.

I feel like reading this book has reaffirmed for me that trying to live a good life and all that means to me is the way forward! I have been making a more conscious effort to be grateful for everything in my life come rain or shine, I am choosing to see the bright side in everything (as best I can!) and approaching life with a positive attitude - hopefully passing some positive vibes and the idea of gratitude on to others as I go. Reading this book has inspired me and I thoroughly recommend reading it! In the meantime, put your positive pants on and remember all the amazing reasons you have to be grateful - today is a perfect day to just be happy!