“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton
There is a Greek myth I recall.
There was a man who met and spent a brief moment with Happiness. She was so beautiful that he tried to hold her close so that he could always have her. As he grasped her, she slipped out of his arms and fled. He spent the rest of his life chasing her, regretting losing her. There were moments he saw glimpses of her but then she disappeared. It was only when he stopped, exhausted, and remembered with gratitude his meeting her that Happiness returned.
The secret to happiness is found within your own mind and heart. Raise your thoughts by giving thanks. Experience the joy of gratitude.
We can imagine this caterpillar being grateful for the luscious green leaf not knowing that the future will hold a transformation into a beautiful butterfly.
What is right under your nose for which you can be grateful?
Hope Talks 
Beautiful truth. I keep a journal in which I write down 5 things I am grateful for every day. There have been days recently when I start to write and think “not today, it is hard to be thankful for what is happening right now.” But when I stay with it and practice gratitude for even difficult circumstances, I am given a settling peace, God’s “more than enough” joy. Thank you for the Chesterton words. Thank you for yours.
What a wonderful spiritual practice you have, Mary Ann, in keeping a gratitude journal. I have recommended this practice to many hospice patients. Because when you are faced with a terminal diagnosis, sometimes, that is all you can think about. For any of us, in that situation, or not, it is so easy to focus on something other than the here and now, on the things for which we can be grateful. One gentleman told me last Sunday that he was grateful that he woke up. So many of his friends did not. Many blessings for you Mary Ann. Thank you for taking the time to comment. God bless.
i am just now reading this, dear Sonja, and copying the Chesterton quote to read and re-read and ponder. Bless you, dear friend. What would i do without you in my life? My life would be the poorer, that’s for sure and certain. i am grateful for your gentle, loving presence.
jen