The secret to enjoying life is to enjoy what you have. Here’s why.
The Grati-Truth
There have been a ton of books written on happiness. There have been more research studies and academic papers put out than one could easily count. So much time and effort has been put into understanding happiness that you’d think we would have all the answers and everyone would be tickled pink.
Although we’re still shy of all the answers, research has shown us one truth toward a happy and fulfilling life: gratitude. There is something about being thankful for what you have that makes life that much more fulfilling. If you really want to enjoy what you have, consider this small experiment.
Poster Child
In an experiment psychological scientist Rebecca I. Shiner wanted to understand the way people look at choices and options. The experiment gave a simple choice about posters to a group of people.
After having the subjects rank posters, they were then given a choice as to which they could take home. One group was told their decision was final and one group was told they could change their mind within a month.
What they found is that the people who had a final decision were happier with their choice than the other group. There was something about knowing what they had was the best option instead of something that they weren’t completely sure about that made the choice easier.
Enjoy What You Have
If you want life to be happy and fulfilling, you have start where you are. It’s not to say this is where you will always be or that things won’t change, but you need to be grateful for what you have.
Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have a full belly? Do you have clothes on your back? Then that’s a good place to start.
Do you have fun things to do? Are there people you love? Do you have possibilities in front of you? Do you have the ability to get from A to B easily?
If you want to be happy, then enjoy what you have. It’s not only a great way to live, but it’s a great way to be in the right frame of mind to make your future a wonderful place to be as well.
