my secret to happiness

I hung my Thanksgiving banner before the trick-or-treaters had even stopped ringing our doorbell last night. I sort of want to keep it up all year long, I love it so.

Hooray for November! It is my favorite month. Not only is the weather in Arizona fantastic, but I make a better effort during this month to be thankful, and the immediate benefit of that effort is an increase in my happiness. It is simple, it is true, and it happens every time. The idea that gratitude is the secret to happiness is nothing new, I know, and it is certainly not earth shattering, but I feel like I have stumbled upon the answer to some great mystery. Everyone wants to be happier, don't they? Well, I know that in order to be happy, I have to be grateful.

And so today, on this first day of November, I am grateful to have a heart full of gratitude. It lightens my loads and makes my burdens seem less burdensome. This hymn describes it so well:


When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven or your home on high.

So amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.


Every day this month I will be posting something I am thankful for on my blog. I hope you will play along, either in the comments here or on your own blog. It doesn't have to be anything big. In fact, I think recognizing and being grateful for the small things is just as important as the big things. If you do, I promise that your happiness will increase, just like mine has.

What do you think? Are you ready?