Sometimes what we are going through can discourage us. Maybe problem after problem is coming your way, and it never seems to get better. In these moments it is very easy to complain and get frustrated with life. But the key to joy isn’t what we are going through, but where we are looking.

Our perspective changes everything. What if instead of complaining we were able to find the good in every situation? What I have learned is that thankfulness is vital. Being grateful shifts our perspective. Instead of looking at the negatives of our experiences, thankfulness helps us look at the positives of life.

This is a practice that I apply daily. I make sure to constantly be in a state of gratitude. I believe that it is a tool to help unlock joy in our lives that isn’t dependent upon our circumstances. What if our problems became opportunities to be thankful?

Some examples of what we can be thankful for are things as simple as being alive, having family and friends, having a job, being able to go to school, or simply being able to see. It may sound ridiculous, but seeing life this way will cause us to live life to the fullest. And there is a joy that springs up when we see life this way!

Let us know what you are thankful for today in the comment section below!