Have You Had Your Gratitude today?

Have You Had Your Gratitude Today?

No doubt about it, gratitude is the key to a happy life.

People who cultivate gratitude get a major boost of happiness and optimism, feel more connected to other people, are better liked and have more friends, and are more likely to give help to others. They even sleep better and get fewer headaches.

Positive feelings crowd out negative emotions like irritation and resentment. When each day goes along its ordinary course, it is easy to take everything for granted. It is way too easy to fail to appreciate all the little things of our lives, like air conditioning, cars, favorite foods, our families and friends, good health and happiness.

Not to mention satisfying joys of morning sunshine and a great songs on the radio as we go about our day. Sometimes it is hard to cultivate a grateful spirit as part of our daily routine. We have so much to be grateful for. At times, we almost need a “reset button” to make the effort to add bits of thankfulness into everyday life. Keeping our thoughts at a high gratefulness level is not always easy, but it can be learned.

As our days in life move quickly, we should all enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things. And for this, we should be grateful!

Read more posts by Mary Ann Sheveland here. Mary Ann is a blogger for JenningsWire.

Mary Ann Sheveland

Mary Ann grew up in Brownwood, a small central Texas town. Her early love of the violin, which developed at the age of ten, and subsequent mastery of the instrument opened many opportunities for her. She was mentored and prepared for her musical journey from the director of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. She auditioned and was selected to join the Blue Jeans Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was underwritten by Levi Straus Blue Jean Manufacturer and the City of Estes Park, Colorado. Two musical students from each state were selected and concerts were given each Sunday afternoon in a natural amphitheater in the Rocky Mountains. Mary Ann remains an alumnus of this group which is an active symphony now making their home in Breckenridge, Colorado. Mary Ann also played in the Las Vegas, Wichita Falls and Austin Symphony Orchestras.

She had a busy career beginning at the Governor’s Office in Colorado. Then fourteen years at a Texas Trade Association. She was Manager of a Computer Magazine Publishing Company. The last few years of working were spent in sales, which led to her home office, as her husband’s health declined.

Since her husband’s death, Mary Ann has written several books, including a Book of Poetry, Children’s Short Stories, Reflections, The Pioneers and her just published book, Journey of My Heart, A Memoir.

During the last quarter of 2012 Mary Ann was engaged with speaking engagements and book signings in several states, as well as radio interviews from New York City, Dallas, Denver, Portland and Seattle, Washington.