It’s always about getting more. There’s a reason why the richest person is not always the happiest. The biggest reason could be because they didn’t appreciate what they had before the riches. To be honest, we spend a majority of our time ruminating on the negative things that are in our relies. We could actually be thankful for all the good, but being disgruntled is actually easier. The fact that we are alive is a cause for celebration. This should be more pertinent after the year we just had.

I wouldn’t call myself a complainer, but I definitely need to spend more time thinking about all the good in my life. I’m a healthy 30 year old guy that has his own place and a good job. I have a loving family and a great group of friends. Those are blessings. That’s not to say that I don’t have my issues, but why highlight them. Sometimes we get lost in the bad that we forget about the good. We all through things that could be at times overbearing. It makes us forget our overall picture, making our issues the only thing worth considering. This is why people take the time to do something like a gratitude journal. It’s just good to show appreciation for all that’s around you.

When I think about the good things in my life, I kind of wonder why it’s so easy to ruminate over the negative. Like why do I actively have to look for good things while thinking about things comes so easy? I think one of the answers is the drive towards more. We are always looking towards the next thing. That usually means that we take what we have for granted. So in order for us to be happy, we need a certain external thing. Once we get it, where on to the next like Jay-Z walking in place.

So… What can you do?

If you’re looking to take your mind off the bad and focus on the good here is a list of things you can do to appreciate more:

• Keep a gratitude journal
• Stop comparing yourself to others
• Live in the moment
• Volunteer
• Don’t be afraid to express your feelings
• Spend time with loved ones