This post is pretty standard, so it will be short and sweet. I think that we all know that gratitude is an important quality to possess, but that’s the problem. We all know that it’s important and we know how to show it, but we don’t take the time to do it.

Studies show that people who think daily of things that they are grateful for are happier with their lives. Keep in mind that they think of these things daily. Being a happy person is a work in progress. You have to be a part of making yourself happy; and that comes with establishing goals, striving to achieve those goals, and appreciating what you have. Sometimes we are so fixated on what is going wrong in our lives that we forget about the many other positive things that are happening. You lost your job? You’re getting a divorce? You’re going through a custody battle? All of these are horrible events that happen every day to people, but there is always something to be grateful for. You may have lost your job, but there are other jobs out there that will pay the bills until you can find the one that is right for you. You may be getting a divorce and it is sad, but this could be a chance to reinvent yourself. Or you notice all of the support from family and friends that you have. Or you chalk it up to a learning experience. You may be going through that custody battle, but it means that you have a wonderful child that you love deeply enough to fight for. There is always a silver lining. Always.

I’m happily married now, but years before I met my husband, I dated a guy that I got along with really well. At the time, I wasn’t sure that we would end up together forever, but I knew that it would be a long relationship. I was wrong. I found out he had a lifestyle that was unsafe. One that could get me into trouble associating with him. Silver lining? I found out before anything bad could happen.

Find your silver lining by writing down or simply thinking about three things that you are grateful for each day. I’ll start.

1. I have a job that helps pay the bills when I live near a city that has many homeless people.

2. Although I am divorced, I was able to identify what was unsuccessful about my first marriage and find my perfect match in my second marriage. I have an amazing husband and awesome son.

3. I have this awesome friend that lives 1700 miles away from me now, but she is always a text message away.

See? It was that simple. Tonight I’ll go to bed thinking about those three things. Your turn. When life gives you lemons….