How many people do you know who are really, genuinely happy? People who greet each day smiling, with energy and enthusiasm about the day ahead, and an optimistic outlook? When you think about this question, do you immediately assume that something must be wrong with such a person or that such behaviour would be unrealistic in the real world?

Think again, because it is possible to be that happy. If you are not dealing with catastrophic events such as serious illness or dysfunctional relationships, you can change the way in which you experience life. It’s as simple as deciding whether you are going to appreciate life or complain about it.

In our culture, there seems to be a chronic tendency to complain, if not about the kids or the spouse, then try the neighbours, the school or the government, and if we really want to get into it, we can complain about ourselves.

This is not to say that we should not discuss problems or concerns, but rather to suggest that we must make sure that we are not allowing these irritating things to interfere with our own happiness and enjoyment of life.

It’s deciding whether we want to see our cup of life as half empty or half full. It may just be that in our society we have the luxury of complaining about little things because there aren’t that many big things to complain about.

When I count my blessings, I include the fact that I don’t live in a poverty-stricken country, that I am free to move about as I like and say whatever I want. I’m thankful too that I don’t have to live amongst guns and tanks, don’t have to have my food rationed, and don’t have to go without needed medical treatment either because it’s unavailable or too costly. I am thankful that my family is healthy, and that I have a job.

The list goes on and on, but the important point is that these are major blessings, and learning to truly appreciate even a few of these major blessings can make all the difference in how we view our lives. If we truly understand how fortunate we are, then every single day we have a reason to celebrate. If we approach life with an attitude of thankfulness and joy, something magical happens.

The first thing that happens when we are in this kind of awareness is that the little things no longer bother us as much. The second thing is that our attitude can be contagious, and others feel more positive around us. This automatically reduces tension and conflict, and things go more smoothly. Our positive energy acts like ripples in a pond, moving out into the world. So let’s be thankful, today and every day. Pass it on.

Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning psychotherapist.