Gratitude and Giving It All Away

I found this graphic this morning, while searching for something else. It was made by Stephanie Ackerman and I just adore it.

It's hard to be grateful for things sometimes, isn't it? It's hard, when you're sitting in your pile of crap to look up and see the sunshine. But if you try - you'll see the sunshine and feel it's warmth. Your pile of crap will turn into something wonderful that you were overlooking.

I was reading an article last night about a millionaire who just gave it all away. He said that all of his money and possessions were not bringing him the happiness he desired, so he was ridding himself of them. At first I was like, "Woot! Way to go, man!" But after discussing it with Rob, I have a whole different approach.

He's given his fortune away to charities. He's gotten rid of his house, cars and worldly possessions. He is going to go live in a hut. And you know what? He's not going to be happy there, either. Well, I can't say for CERTAIN, but it's my opinion that he won't be. He won't be happy because he hasn't learned what happiness IS. Happiness isn't being rich or poor. It isn't what you have or don't have. Happiness is being able to stand in the middle of your pile of crap and feel the sunshine. If you can't be grateful in spite of your circumstances, then you will always be bitter and angry. If you can't see beyond your own pain enough to find the good then you will forever be shrouded in dark, gloomy clouds.

Happiness isn't something that you can buy or that you can get by giving it all away. Happiness is what you find when you're thankful for what you have and who you are.

You can have much or you can have little but you will not have happiness until you are grateful for whatever life brings you.

May you find your gratitude today.