“Gratefulness is the key to a happy life…because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.” — Brother David Steindl-Rast

We are on a quest this month to find that sweet spot of inner contentedness and joy, that feeling state of inner happiness. We know this feeling of deep peace and well-being does not originate in the doing world of activities and schedules but instead is birthed in the interior world of gratefulness. We know this, yet being grateful for all that we have and rejoicing in the way things are right here, right now is a difficult concept to grasp.

We’ve been taught to run after, strive, crave, work hard and want that which we do not have. We use phrases such as, “If only…”, “When I get that raise….”, “When things settle down” to describe our current state of unease. We will be better – different – happier – once so and so does this or such and such happens.

By imagining that “someday” is the answer, by not being OK with who we are in the present moment, we are coming from a state of lack. We are looking, seeking, running after something we don’t have. And this state of non-havingness does not bring us joy, fulfillment or happiness.

On the other hand, if we allowed ourselves to be grateful for our current circumstances, whatever they may be, we would touch into the energy of contentment and inner tranquility. What we feel, we will be. If our days are full of thoughts and feelings of gratitude, we will magnetize all the material things that represent these feeling states to us. Like attracts like – that’s the miracle.

So how do we remain in an almost constant state of appreciation, gratitude, wholeness and purpose, especially when we want something different?

That’s a deep question, but the answer lies in gratitude. As we sweep the floor, being thankful for our home. As we drive to work, being thankful for our paycheck. As we say hello to our neighbor, being thankful for friendships. Yes, we can desire a bigger home, a better job, a different neighbor. But by being grateful for what we do have, we send a powerful message to the Universe. As we surround ourselves with thankful thoughts, words of contentment and peace, we reside in the energy of gratitude.

This state of conscious appreciation allows you to be happy with the life you are leading today. Yes, you can still want more, but by being Ok with what you have now, you are in the vibration of abundance, not lack.

You’ve changed the frequency with which you want – that’s the key. That is the sweet spot of inner contentedness and joy and is the essence of living in joy.

Written by Della Temple, a Boulder Psychic Institute graduate who writes, teaches, and heals. She is the author of:

Tame Your Inner Critic: Find Peace & Contentment to Live Your Life on Purpose

Walking in Grace with Grief: Meditations for Healing After Loss