WHY GRATITUDE IS THE KEY TO LIFE

We get caught up in so much BS that is so insignificant in this life. “He said this”, “she said that”. But at the end of the day, does it really matter? There are people in this world that can't walk. People who can't talk. People who have no money. People who don't have a home. And we are worried about what "so and so" said?! It's almost like we create drama in our own minds because we are so scared of being in the present moment.

When was the last time you walked down the street and admired all the beauty around you? When was the last time you sat in silence and enjoyed your own company? When was the last time you smiled at someone on the street just to say hello? We are all so busy on our phones that we almost forget that life exists around us.

When I am in my head too much, I get anxious. I start thinking about things that just don’t matter. We are pretty damn lucky to live the lives we do. When we start feeling gratitude for all the things in life we DO have (not what we don't have), we start to realise the magnificent beauty that surrounds us.

The trees, nature, mother earth, the beach. Our beautiful friends, family. Our ability to laugh and smile. The fact that we have a roof over our heads. Food to nourish our soul. We have so much to be grateful for if we just opened our eyes.

I find taking a moment every day to appreciate the beauty surrounding us does wonders to my body and soul. I have always practised gratitude and been very grateful for the life I lead, but I recently started writing in a gratitude journal every morning and night. I write down all the things that make my heart smile. Moments I cherish. Things I want to remember. People who have touched my heart.

Since committing to a daily gratitude practice, I feel happier. I am much more optimistic. My energy levels have increased. I smile more often. My relationships and friendships are stronger. I feel much more inclined to forgive. I am just a much better happier version of myself. I can honestly say, feeling grateful has changed my life.

Photos by Madeleine Gill