In my experience and in my work with clients, I have found that gratitude and forgiveness are the two most powerful practices you can engage in to cultivate happiness and live a life you love.

Gratitude is appreciating what is — the little things or the big things that are already present in your life, the people you love, the beauty of nature, the feeling of a warm bath or a good hug. Gratitude is acknowledging and taking in the good stuff. Gratitude is seeing the gift in any situation.

It’s something that can be cultivated through your attention and your intentions. Decide to be grateful and make gratitude part of your daily life. Look for things you can be grateful for — even if you’re sick or stressed or anxious or angry right now, there are lots of things that you can choose to feel gratitude for. As I sit here typing on my laptop, I can see two squirrels chasing each other around outside my window. Their playfulness helps me remember not to take things so seriously, and for that I feel grateful. See how easy it is?

• What are the things that you are most grateful for?
• What brings joy to your day or your life?
• How can you be even more aware of the amazing things already present in your life?
• How can you express even more gratitude to the people whose lives touch yours?

Here’s a sweet (and short) video on the power of gratitude.