Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of gratitude for small joys and personal well-being amid global challenges and personal adversity.

Abstract

In the face of a world turned upside down by the Covid-19 pandemic and other adversities, the article advocates for a perspective of gratitude to maintain happiness and sanity. It suggests that acknowledging the good in one's life, no matter how small, can lead to a sense of abundance and resilience. The author shares personal gratitude for health, sustenance, shelter, and the ability to write, encouraging readers to find their own sources of happiness in life's little things. The article cites research on the mental health benefits of gratitude, including improved immune function, sleep, happiness, and reduced anxiety and depression. It also provides practical tips for cultivating gratitude, such as appreciating nature, spending quality time with family, expressing thanks, engaging in acts of kindness, pursuing hobbies, and consuming uplifting content.

Opinions

The author expresses deep gratitude for their health and well-being during the pandemic, contrasting their situation with those who are hospitalized or struggling to meet basic needs.
There is an opinion that the current global situation, while grim, has silver linings that can be focused on to foster a positive outlook.
The article posits that challenges and unpredictability in life are opportunities to build strength and resilience, likening individuals to 'warriors and champions' who grow from adversity.
It is suggested that gratitude can transform one's perspective, turning what might seem insufficient into enough, and bringing order and clarity to chaos.
The author believes that gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice that can be cultivated through conscious efforts, such as keeping a gratitude journal.
The article emphasizes that gratitude can significantly boost mental health, based on research findings, and can lead to a more connected and fulfilling life.
The author's opinion is that even in difficult times, there are many avenues to express and experience gratitude, which can lead to a renewed sense of happiness and aliveness.

To Be Happy Is To Be Alive

To stay sane amid adversity and chaos, seek gratitude in little things

I’m happy and alive — that’s what matters to me the most when the world is upside down.

I remind that to myself every single day. I tell myself that things could be a lot worse. With the current state that the world is in, I feel grateful for many things.

I’m grateful I’m not among millions of people who are hospitalized with the Covid-19 virus and fighting for their lives.
I’m grateful for having food on my table, knowing many people out there rely on food banks to feed their families.
I’m grateful to have a roof over my head.
And finally, I’m grateful to God for keeping me sane amid the adversity and chaos. I am healthy and strong physically and mentally. I stand firm on my feet.

What more can I ask for?

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”

Eckhart Tolle

And while the current situation paints a grim picture for all of us, we can make an effort to look at the brighter sides of things. We can focus on the positive aspects of our lives. We can choose to look for happiness in the little things.

Even though I’m not in the best place in my life right now as far as work or money go, I seek happiness in other ways to make myself fulfilled. Writing is one of them. For me, the ability to write makes my life brighter — one of the things I feel grateful for.

A simple way to be grateful is to remind yourself of the “little” things that we often take for granted.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Melody Beattie

An unpredictable world helps to build strength

The world is not designed to run smoothly. Calamities strike us at unpredictable times. Things get out of order. They are beyond our control. But living through challenging times such as these will only make us stronger and more resilient. In the end, we’ll emerge as warriors and champions. We’ll be more prepared to face whatever challenges life throws at us.

The best thing you can do to feel grateful is to hold tightly to the little things in your life that we often take for granted. Show your appreciation of those things.

Gratitude boosts your mental health

According to research, gratitude is beneficial to your mental health. It can strengthen your immune system, improve sleep, increase happiness, and help you feel more connected to the world.

Practicing gratitude increases your sense of well-being and also helps you see the good through the bad.

When we eat delicious food, our brain rewards us with feelings of pleasure. Like food, gratitude activates the reward center in our brain. One study found that people who engage in gratitude practice by keeping a journal, feel happier, and suffer from less anxiety and depression.

Here are some ways you can practice gratitude:

Look for beauty in nature — it will soothe you and relax you. It will also help you cope with mental stress
Spend time with your family members — feel grateful that you are all together and alive
Be thankful to family and friends and show your appreciation to them
Make phone calls and send thank you cards to people you care about
Engage in small acts of kindness to help others in difficult times
Invest your time into your hobby or passion
Read a book or watch a motivational video on YouTube — it will change your world

There are many ways to be grateful. Seek gratitude and you will find it.

Remind yourself and be grateful for what you have every day and you’ll feel happy. A simple mindset shift will change your perspective of the world. Look for happiness in the little things and find appreciation in them. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a breath of fresh air. You’ll feel alive again.

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

Robert Brault

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