What would it take to make you happy? Think about your answer for a moment, because we have reasons to be happy every day, even if the world around us seems to have come unglued.

Now, I know some of you think that if you only had this or that particular thing you would be happy.  Others believe that if you were only in love with someone wonderful, who loved you back, then you would be happy.  And there are probably still others who believe that if God would work a miracle and cure you or someone you love of an illness, that would make you happy.

But I want to tell you something.  Happiness is a choice you make, not something that does or doesn't happen to you.  You can choose to be happy right now, no matter what you have or don't have.

The first step is gratitude.  If you develop and heighten your powers of appreciation by focusing on the beauty in your life instead of the imperfections, you will be halfway there.  I guarantee that you will see an abundance of beauty in your life, regardless of your surroundings or circumstances, if you will only look for it. You will be adopting the "attitude of gratitude."

Once you can see it - appreciate it!  Not just intellectually - let it give you real joy. You see, the time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is here, and the reasons to be happy are all around you.  So what are you waiting for?