Life is simple if you can approach it with a grateful heart.

I’m sure you’ve heard of this before – Gratitude Changes Everything.

And Everything Changes With Gratitude.

It may be so, but sometimes, it’s not easy to find gratitude.

If we can, take a little time to care for our heart health.

Having a grateful heart leads to happiness, joy, contentment, generosity, forgiveness, compassion, peace, and much more.

Appreciation is good for the soul.

So, how can you choose to be grateful and cultivate a thankful heart?

You can start by writing cards about gratitude.

Whatever your Definition of gratitude, all of us need encouragement in life.

As we travel along life’s journey, having a good and positive attitude helps you develop a grateful heart.

11 Ways You Can Cultivate a Grateful Heart

As we journey, we can grow more profound gratitude by keeping a Gratitude Journal.

As with everything else, from determining your choice of pizza toppings to going vegan – life is about making choices.

If we could choose between bringing an umbrella when we leave our house and not, would we be grateful for the rain?

Gratitude is a Choice

There are many times in my life that I have faced challenges.

Some are small, and others are very challenging.

I am sure all of us have been through the same road.

Some people miss the potholes, others get a flat tire, and still others may have an accident.

Gratitude is a choice of how we respond to events beyond our control.

One day, I parked my car near an Indian temple.

At a specific time of the day, someone will feed the pigeon that gathers on the road.

I wanted to take some photos of the temple with the birds flying.

I thought it was good to hide behind my car so the pigeons wouldn’t notice me.

When I returned, I saw a man had cast a fishing net and caught all the pigeons.

A police car came by, and the policemen asked what the man had done.

Apparently, the birds did not belong to the temple, and it was not a law to catch pigeons, so the officers let the man off.

I walked towards my car as he rode off on his motorcycle, laden with the birds.

I noticed that there were hundreds and hundreds of scratches on the bonnet.

The scratches made the pigeons when that man put the net of birds on my car.

I was dumbfounded.

I remember telling a friend.

He said you chose to park where pigeons are.

The probability of getting bird poop on your bonnet and getting scratches on your car is a lot higher than if you parked where pigeons hang out.

Think of it this way: if it were a head-on collision, there would be more damage.

I understood what he meant then and chose to be grateful instead of grumbling bitterly.

My friend taught me to choose gratitude in the midst of the crappiest of circumstances.

That was a valuable lesson and an opportunity to be grateful and choose to see blessings instead of misfortunes.

I don’t think I am alone, but sometimes, we all tend to feel discontent more than gratitude.

There is hope, as we all have the choice to be grateful.

My friend taught me that I could get by better if we could find something to be thankful for on the worst days.

Grateful people choose the attitude of gratitude in all circumstances.

See everything we have as a gift.

Being entitled and discontent seems to be prevalent these days.

I remember watching YouTube of a little boy, Grey, and his mom.

Grey’s mom would make him something to eat every day, and his response was always a big smile and gratitude: “Thank you, Mama.”

How many of us say that when we get something?

At my first camp, we were served white rice, a hard-boiled egg, and a boiled sausage.

I was depressed as I expected the same packed food that we got for a few days.

Some others believed they, too, had a right to what they wanted.

A nice meal with three dishes.

I remember grumbling loudly and complaining bitterly until Uncle Doug asked me, “Why do you think this happened?”

I didn’t know.

He explained that there was an accident and the food we catered for didn’t arrive.

Some people helped to cook with whatever ingredients they could find in the kitchen.

There was no oil.

Hence, they could only boil the rice, sausage, and egg.

When we view something as correct, it’s tough to be grateful.

I know I must say things like, “I deserve a good lunch.”

However, when I started seeing everything as a gift, it was much easier to be thankful.

Perspective is powerful.

Many take our jobs, homes with air-conditioning, cars, and a consistent income for granted.

I used to take my home for granted until I started traveling and learned to share the house with many people, including the bathroom.

I remember one trip to an aboriginal village during a hike.

Tiny villages without running water and electricity,

Houses made out of scrap metal lined the twisting river.

Few homes had windows or a solid door.

The roof was broken, and rainwater was harvested in a plastic container to use.

Perspective is powerful.

We take so much for granted.

Being grateful helps us keep a good perspective and remember that we must be thankful daily.

We see what we look for in our journey of life

In a world full of bad news, what do you see?

How do we find good news?

Can we find any if we look hard enough?

Christian Haettich has one arm and one leg.

One summer, over 22 days, he cycled across the Dolomites, the Alps, and the Pyrenees to become one of only ten finishers of a grueling three-week amateur cycling event.

When hundreds of riders struggled to cycle up mountain passes, they looked elated but shattered.

Here was Christian Haettich, a man with one arm and one leg competing in the field of able-bodied riders.

Haettich found a way to be grateful and continued to press on.

That photo of Christian Haettich stuck in my mind always reminds me to find something to be grateful for.

There is only so much room in our hearts.

When we reflect and look for reasons to be grateful, we have less time to worry, grumble, live in fear, be bitter, and be frustrated in our everyday lives.

Grateful people actively look for opportunities to be thankful.

We practice what is important to us.

I remember the movie Forest Gump (Tom Hanks) and the scene filmed at Monument Valley.

Forest Gump was running after he started three years ago for no reason.

He crossed the country a couple of times, and on his way, he gained a group of followers.

As they run on a desert road with the Monument Valley behind them, Forrest suddenly stops running.

Rob Pope is an emergency veterinarian by night and a record-breaking ultra runner by day.

Rob became the Australian Marathon Champion in 2015 and won the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in 2015 and 2016.

In 2018, Rob ran over 15,700 miles in 422 days, becoming the first to make Forrest Gump’s fictitious epic run a reality.

Rob spoke about strangers’ kindness, the benefits of accepting our energy’s natural ebb and flow, and why we need to trust that our body always wants us to improve ourselves.

Rob Pope was inspired by the movie Forrest Gump and decided to retrace Forrest’s steps.

Rob is the only man to run across the United States four times.

This Englishman ran 422 days and over 15,000 miles to earn his stripes as the real-life Forrest Gump.

He persevered through financial hardship and overcame tremendous physical pain and injuries throughout the journey.

As for the number of times a day Rob gets people to shout “Run Forrest, Run” at him during his run. Check out Rob’s adventures here.

However, his will is unbreakable, and he became the first man in history to accomplish the feat.

After all, he just felt like runnin’!

Grateful people know they can be a positive example to others around them.

We develop a life-sustaining habit when we practice cultivating gratitude daily.

Once we choose to see everything as a gift, keep a good perspective, and look for opportunities to be grateful, everything flows.

We will develop the habit.

To grow the habit of gratitude, we can be an example to others.

We can spread the hope of a grateful heart to those in our community and around us.

What are you grateful for today?

An attitude of gratitude and a grateful Heart might not change your circumstances, but it can change your perspective.

When you change your worldview, you can change everything.

Remember these 11 Powerful Ways You Can Cultivate a Grateful Heart

1. Gratitude is a Choice
2. See everything we have as a gift.
3. Perspective is powerful.
4. We see what we look for in our journey of life
5. We practice what is important to us.
6. What are you grateful for today?
7. Thankfulness is the key to your life.
8. Don’t allow yourself to complain about anything.
9. Don’t compare yourself with others.
10. Thank and praise God for everything in your life.
11. Most of us require breakthroughs in prayer.

Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to be grateful for the things that come your way.

Practice gratitude year-round simply on purpose.

Your life and others will benefit from cultivating a heart of gratitude.

Source:

Cycling over the Pyrenees with one leg

How Running Like Forrest Helped Me Learn To Listen To My Body

Thank you so much!

How do you feel when you hear those simple words?

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful gift.

If you have a birthday, wedding, baby shower, or even a going away party – you will want to thank your party guests for showering you with gifts.

A thoughtful note is a great way for you to share your gratitude.

If they have brightened your day, make the sentiment extra special by telling them sincerely, “Thank you so much!”

You can even add how excited you are to use their thoughtful gift!

How To Write A Thank You Note?

You can start your letter with one of these thank you messages. Find the relevant one and appeal to you.

Instead of just saying thank you so much, add a touch about how much you appreciate the gift and how you will use it.

1. I just wanted to write to say Thank you so much for the gift!
2. Thank you so much for the beautiful dress. I can’t wait to wear it this weekend.
3. Thank you so much for coming to my birthday party; it was more special to celebrate with you.
4. The new picture frame will look perfect in my college dorm room. Thank you so much!
5. I love it! It is what I’ve been wanting. Thank you so much for getting it for me.
6. Thank you so much for the gift card. It will help me with the extra things I need for my upcoming move.
7. The coffee mug you sent is so unique and pretty. Thank you so much for making my mornings brighter. I will remember you when I drink my morning coffee.
8. I’m so grateful for the housewarming gift you blessed us with, and our place is one step closer to feeling like our dream home because of it. Thank you so much
9. I know you spent much time picking out the perfect gift for me. Thank you so much! I feel blessed to have such a thoughtful friend in my life.

How do you express your gratitude for a kind deed?

Whether someone goes out of their way for you, be it a friend, family member, or even a stranger –

surprise them with a small gift.

Thanking them shows that their kind deed didn’t go unnoticed!

Tip: You can get a lovely, scented candle or incense as a gift. Both are inexpensive options to add to your thank you note for an extra touch.

You can customize your Thank You Notes for each situation.

10. Thank you for always stepping in to help when I needed help. You are my angel.
11. I can’t even begin to explain how much your help meant to me.
12. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. It meant a lot.
13. Thank you for sharing your home with me. I had such a great time catching up.
14. My stomach (and I) want to Thank you so much for that delicious meal.
15. You made me feel so at home that I forgot I wasn’t! Thank you so much for having me.
16. Thank you so much for providing me with a roof over my head this weekend. It was also kind of you to invite me into your home.
17. Thank you so much for hosting my event. My day just wouldn’t have been the same without you!
18. Thank you so much for the raving letter of recommendation. I can’t wait to start my new job.
19. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

Tell your friends, “Thank you for being you.”

Your friends are your partners in crime and have your back no matter what.

Show how much their friendship means to you.

Let your besties know how much they mean to you.

You can customize a gift basket, especially for them.

Put their favorite drink and snacks together.

A gift card to that boutique they always rave about and use.

Luxury items like a bubble bath and an eye mask are lovely.

So are scented like aromatherapy oils and pillow sprays for a good night’s sleep.

Warm, comfy slippers or fluffy pajamas for a relaxing night at home.

Play with your favorite silly puns or recount old memories with them.

Here are some other ways, or you can drop a note to thank your friends! 

1. 20. Have a coffee with me.
   21. You are my angel. Thank you so much for your kindness and compassion.
   22. Where would I be without a friend like you?
   23. What you did for me was a big deal. Thank you so much.
   24. How did you become so wise? Thanks again for all of your advice.
   25. You’re my best friend even after you know all my secrets and weird quirks. Thank you.
   26. I don’t say it enough, but I always wanted to thank you for having my back.
   27. You are the best friend anyone could ask for!
   28. Thanks for always supporting my crazy ideas and encouraging me!
   29. Thank you for brightening my day! You are a ray of sunshine to me and everyone else around.
   30. Words can’t even express my thanks. I hope this little gift will help show you how grateful I am for a friend like you.
   31. Thank you for helping me through that difficult time. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I have two for you.

To say thank you to your significant other

32. Do you have a partner, a spouse, or a significant other who constantly surprises you with acts of kindness and love?

33. If you don’t know how to bake, take a little time to tell them how much you appreciate and love them by buying them their favorite dessert.

34. Add a short note with three reasons they are unique, and watch their smile light up the room.

Get inspired to tell your sweetie how much you love them with any one of these kinds of thoughts:

35. I appreciate you.
36. I’d be lost without you.
37. You make my heart smile.
38. Thank you for being my superhero!
39. How did I get so lucky? I’m so grateful you chose to be with me.
40. I have a big bear hug waiting for you the next time I see you!
41. You’re the sweetest! Thank you for everything you do!
42. You are always at the top of my list when I think about things I’m grateful for.
43. Thank you for supporting my dreams, no matter what. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.
44. When I thought I couldn’t love you more, you did that. Thank you for being so amazing!

To say thank you to your boss, colleague, or team for their support

There are a few moments when it’s appropriate to take the time to thank your bosses.

When you finish a project that you can’t have done without a co-worker’s expertise, help from your teammates or your manager’s valuable input, you must thank everyone!

You can thank your colleagues by enjoying a team dinner or buying snacks for the person who needs a mid-afternoon to pick me up or a new coffee mug for the early riser.

Here are a few other ideas for telling someone that you are grateful for their contributions:

45. Thank you for taking the time to explain to me.

46. Thanks again for meeting with me today.

47. Thank you for going all out to help me with this project.

48. I genuinely enjoy being a part of your team.

49. Thank you for your leadership.

50. Thank you for being such an inspiring leader. Your actions inspire the other team members and me.

51. Thank you for being an inspiration to the team and me.

52. Thank you for entrusting me with this project.

53. I appreciate your service and dedication.

54. Thank you for sharing your honest feedback on how to improve the project.

55. We are grateful for your commitment to the team and company.

56. Thank you for making this a fantastic office to work in daily!

57. Thank you for having confidence in my abilities.

58. I appreciate your flexibility and willingness to work on this new project with the team.

59. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work here. I will do my very best to exceed your expectations.

60. Thank you for your email reminder. I appreciate it.

61. Thanks for your attention to detail and for being meticulous.

62. I am grateful for everything you’ve helped me achieve here.

63. I appreciate you considering me for this promotion. I shall look forward to hearing from you.

64. Thank you for sharing your opinion. I value your honesty and feedback and will respond as soon as possible.

65. Thank you for stepping up and always going above and beyond to ensure we meet the project’s milestones and KPIs.

66. I appreciate your hard work and sacrifice and want you to know it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Other ways to say thank you so much on any occasion

The great thing about saying thank you is that this – you need to be sincere.

For the times when a simple, heartfelt reminder of your gratitude is needed, these will do the trick:

67. Your kind words warmed my heart.
68. I appreciate you for remembering me.
69. Thank you for thinking of me.
70. I value and respect your opinion.
71. I am so thankful for what you did.
72. It was so lovely to hear from you. Thank you for reaching out.
73. I wanted to take the time to thank you personally.
74. Thank you for your time today.
75. I appreciate your help. Thank you so much.
76. Thanks a lot for your help – I couldn’t have done it without you!

Finally, how to say thank you in the ten most common languages

All the languages in the world each have at least 200 million native speakers worldwide!

When you learn to say a simple phrase in these beautiful languages, the words “thank you” express gratitude to the native speaker.

With many words and gestures used worldwide, you can relay this message and show others your deep appreciation.

Here are ten ways to say thank you in different languages around the world:

77. Arabic: Shuh-crahn-luh-come (شكرا لكم)
78. Bengali: Hon-yuh-bahd (ধন্যবাদ)
79. Burmese: Cheh-joo-tchen-bah-ray (ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်)
80. Dutch: Dahnk-hyeh (Dank je)
81. English: Thank you
82. Filipino: Sah-lah-maht (Salamat)
83. French: Mare-see (Merci)
84. German: Dahnk-uh (Danke)
85. Hebrew: Toe-dah (תודה)
86. Hindi: Den-yee-niv-ahd (धन्यवाद)
87. Italian: Gratz-eh (Grazie)
88. Japanese: Ah-ree-gah-toe (ありがとう)
89. Korean: Gahm-sah (감사)
90. Lao: Kawp-Jai (ຂອບ​ໃຈ)
91. Malay: Ter-ee-mah kah-see (Terima kasih)
92. Mandarin Chinese: She-eh (謝謝)
93. Portuguese: Oh-bree-gah-doe (Obrigado)
94. Russian: Spy-see-bah (Спасибо)
95. Spanish: Grah-see-us (Gracias)
96. Swahili: Ah-sahn-teh (Asante)
97. Tamil: Nahn-ree (நன்றி)
98. Telugu: Dahn-ya-vah-dah-loo (ధన్యవాదాలు)
99. Thai: khop-kuhn (ขอบคุณ)
100. Turkish: Teh-sheh-coor ed-eh-duhm (Teşekkür ederim)
101. Vietnamese: Cahm-uhn-bahn (cảm ơn bạn)

If you want to make someone’s day, include a gift basket or some baked goods that you picked out just for them to enjoy.

No matter how you say it or what gift you surprise someone, they will surely appreciate your gratitude.

Most importantly, Thank your friends for being a part of your life.

Practice gratitude daily as a wise decision to start to ensure your happiness.

Science continues to affirm that being grateful and thinking positive things is good for your health and well-being.

Feelings of gratitude are perfect for business.

Before you start, you can take three steps to help you begin to feel more positive emotions.

You can learn to appreciate the good things in your life – and feel grateful for them.

1. Notice good things
2. Look for them
3. Appreciate them

Pay close attention to those good things in your life.

Savor, absorb, and express your gratitude to yourself, write it down, or thank someone.

Read on if you want to know the seven habits of the happiest people, firmly grounded in research that will help with Gratitude Practice.

Practice gratitude and express gratitude.

Several research studies have shown that a deep sense of gratitude increases happiness by up to 25 percent.

Being grateful helps reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.

The evidence indicates that genuinely appreciative people are more resilient.

They go to sleep happy -sleep tight and wake up refreshed.

To cultivate gratitude, you can speak out about what you are grateful for or write them down.

Make it a part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth.

Expressing Gratitude is more than being courteous, mannerly, or polite.

It’s about showing your heartfelt appreciation.

When you thank someone, you’re also practicing the first two gratitude skills: you’ve noticed something well, and you’ve genuinely appreciated it.

Try a two-minute written exercise.

Write what you are thankful for first thing in the morning.

You will beam and discover better ways to practice gratitude and express gratitude throughout the day.

Practice gratitude and choose kindness.

While most people don’t see the value of being kind and impacting business, evidence shows otherwise in the office or playground.

Research suggests that when children see other children help each other, it heightens a sense of well-being.

Express Gratitude by doing kindness.

Gratitude might inspire you to be thoughtful and to return a favor or act with kindness.

Or you might see a situation where you can “pay it forward.”

Holding the door open for the person behind you may not seem like a big thing.

You let someone in a hurry cut in front of you when you drive.

Even if it means waiting a little longer than you have helped someone else out.

Do someone a favor without letting the person find out it was you.

Notice how you feel afterward!

We feel encouraged when we see an act of kindness, which is called an “elation.”

We are more likely to behave with kindness towards others.

Kindness begets more kindness.

Overall, this improves communication, collaboration, and understanding with your family members in your daily life.

“‘Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” — Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

Practice gratitude and be generous.

In one study of over 600 Americans, “the amount of money they gave away predicted happiness. The more they invest in others, the happier they are.”

A Gratitude Jar is a fun way to create a visual reminder of all the blessings in our lives.

Science confirms that giving is good for our mental health. It evokes a deep sense of gratitude and has a positive impact on our daily lives.

Tell the people in your life how you feel about them and what they mean to you.

In the right tone at the right moment, even a simple “Glad you can make it. Thanks!” means a lot.

One Harvard Business School report even concluded that emotional rewards are the best when our generosity is connected to serving others.

Practice gratitude and forgiveness.

Forgiveness allows you to look at your mistakes as a part of life.

When you practice forgiveness, an extraordinary learning experience happens.

You learn and grow.

Research shows that forgiveness can help you let go.

You move on from upsetting situations more quickly.

If you have wronged someone, you can write a letter.

A Gratitude Letter can let you show appreciation in a meaningful way.

By doing so, you can enjoy life to the full.

Forgiveness lightens you up.

Grateful people are naturally curious.

Several studies suggest that curious people connect better.

They have an innate childlike quality in learning more about people and how things work.

When you are naturally curious, you want to learn more about the other person you just met.

Or you may reach out, introduce yourself, and make a new friend.

Grateful people have better relationships and enjoy socializing with others in their community more.

Other people feel easily attracted and socially closer to individuals who display curiosity.

Practice gratitude and exercise patience.

When we achieve more challenging goals, we experience more satisfaction and our sense of gratitude multiplies.

Other research also found that patient people are more resilient.

They experience fewer negative emotions and cope better with stressful situations.

Grateful people are less susceptible to depression.

Practice gratitude rituals.

Some people say grace before a meal.

Children learn to pray before bedtime.

Pausing in gratitude before eating doesn’t have to be religious.

It’s a simple habit that helps us notice and appreciate the blessing of food on the table.

As they feel more gratitude in their lives and connect well with others, they become happier by sharing a greater sense of abundance.

Practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal.

Science says you can train your brain to be happy and optimistic.

To be satisfied, you need to write in a gratitude journal or a book rather than on a piece of paper.

Start a gratitude journal.

Committing to writing down good things each day makes it more likely to notice good things as they happen.

Make it a daily practice to note the things that you are grateful for and appreciate.

Each day, think of three things you are grateful for.

1. Nature
2. People
3. Community
4. Shelter

Creature comforts like a warm bed or a good meal.

It’s amazing what you notice when you focus on feeling grateful.

Start with one in the morning.

Write another two things that happened at any time of day.

If you can’t think of anything now, how about being grateful that you are breathing?

If you are running or exercising, you may pant for breath or breathe hard.

Think of the people who are in COVID-19 wards who have difficulties breathing.

Are you grateful that breathing comes easily and naturally?

According to the research, journaling for 21 days in a row can raise one’s level of positivity.

Your brain performs significantly better when you are neutral, happy, and grateful.

In Conclusion

Genuine Gratitude doesn’t leave you feeling like you owe other people something.

It’s all about feeling good and creating a cycle of good.

Your positive outlook, a deep sense of gratitude, and a Gratitude List will help replace any negative emotions.

When you practice gratitude, you become grateful and reap the fruits of abundant life.

You will find your physical health improving.

You will sleep soundly, wake up refreshed, and have clarity of mind.

Get the motivation you need to start, grow your levels of gratitude, and lead a wonderfully blessed life today.

Source:

The Top 10 Habits of Grateful People…Even In Tough Times

Life After 50 Is a Celebration – Practical tips to enjoy health, love, and life in your golden years

Life after 50 marks a new and exciting chapter.

It’s a time to enjoy the rewards of your work, care for your health, and cherish the people and experiences that matter most.

These years are yours to live fully, confidently, and joyfully.

Here’s a practical guide to making the most of life after 50.

Use the Money You Saved

You’ve worked hard for your money. It’s time to enjoy life after 50 rather than saving endlessly for others who may not appreciate the sacrifices you made.

Tips to make the most of your money:

• Travel to places you’ve always dreamed about.
• Buy meaningful gifts or experiences for your partner.
• Treat yourself to quality items — clothes, jewelry, or even a comfortable chair for reading.

Be cautious with new investments. Even “foolproof” opportunities can bring stress. This is a time to enjoy your money peacefully, not worry over risks.

Stop Worrying About Your Children

Your children and grandchildren are capable of building their own lives now. You’ve already given them guidance, education, and support.

Remember:

• It’s okay to spend on yourself without guilt.
• Your responsibility is not to solve their financial problems anymore.
• Encourage independence rather than over-involvement.
• Focusing on yourself doesn’t mean you love them any less — it simply means you’re prioritizing your own well-being.

Healthy Living After 50

Health is the foundation of a happy life. Staying fit doesn’t require extreme effort, just consistent care.

Simple habits to stay healthy:

• Take a daily walk or light exercise.
• Eat balanced meals with fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Prioritize sleep — aim for 7–8 hours each night.
• Schedule regular check-ups and screenings, even if you feel well.
• Small actions compound over time. Your body and mind will thank you for caring for them now.

Enjoy the Best Things with Your Partner

Life is about moments, not just possessions. Use your money and time to create shared memories.

Ideas for meaningful experiences:

• Enjoy a weekend getaway or a cruise.
• Dine at your favorite restaurants.
• Explore a new hobby together, like gardening or painting.

Remember, one day, one of you might be gone — no amount of money can replace those shared experiences.

Managing Stress After 50

You’ve overcome challenges in life. Don’t let minor worries steal your peace. Focus on the present, not the past or future.

Ways to reduce stress:

• Meditate or practice deep breathing for a few minutes daily.
• Write a gratitude journal to focus on positives.
• Laugh often — humor is powerful medicine.
• Stress only takes away the joy you’ve earned. Protect your peace.

Keep Love Alive

Love doesn’t age. Whether it’s with your partner, family, or friends, keep affection alive.

Practical ways to nurture love:

• Express appreciation daily — a note, a hug, or a kind word.
• Schedule regular quality time with your partner.
• Stay emotionally available for your loved ones.

As the saying goes: “A person is not old as long as they have intelligence and affection.”

Aging Gracefully: Stay Strong and Beautiful

Confidence comes from taking care of yourself, inside and out.

Self-care tips:

• Regular haircuts, skincare, and nail care.
• Wear clothing that makes you feel confident.
• Keep your favorite perfumes or colognes — small luxuries matter.

Looking good on the outside often enhances how you feel inside. Pride in yourself is a gift at any age.

Dress with Style After 55

Fashion changes, but your personal style is timeless. Avoid trying to dress like younger generations; embrace what makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Style tips:

• Invest in classic pieces that suit your body and taste.
• Accessorize thoughtfully with scarves, jewelry, or belts.
• Don’t fear bold colors or patterns — confidence is always in style.
• Stay Informed and Connected
• Keep your mind sharp by staying aware of the world around you.

Ways to stay engaged:

• Read newspapers or watch the news regularly.
• Keep an active email and social media presence to reconnect with friends.
• Attend local events, lectures, or workshops to meet new people.

Being informed and socially connected keeps your perspective fresh and your mind lively.

Respect the Younger Generation

The younger generation may see the world differently — that’s okay.

How to support them:

• Offer advice when asked, not criticism.
• Share life lessons gently; avoid insisting they follow your path.
• Appreciate their fresh ideas and energy.
• Mutual respect creates harmony and lets wisdom flow both ways.
• Never Say “In My Time”

Your time is now. Life after 50 is not about nostalgia — it’s about being fully present. Enjoy today, not the past.

Choose Joy in Your Golden Years

Some people become bitter or withdrawn in their later years, but happiness is a choice. Surround yourself with positive, cheerful people and experiences.

Tips for joyful living:

• Focus on hobbies, travel, and learning new skills.
• Avoid energy-draining negativity or gossip.
• Practice gratitude daily.
• Stay Independent and Active

Independence is empowering. If financially and physically possible, maintain your own space and routine.

Ways to embrace independence:

• Travel solo or with friends.
• Cook, read, hike, or dance regularly.
• Maintain privacy while staying involved in family life.

This balance creates freedom and dignity while keeping you connected to the people you love.

Keep Hobbies Alive

Hobbies are the spice of life. Whether old or new, they keep your mind and body active.

Hobby ideas:

• Painting, gardening, or crafts.
• Games like chess, dominoes, or cards.
• Music, dancing, or volunteering.
• Adopt a pet or care for a garden.
• Explore what brings joy and make time for it regularly.
• Stay Socially Active

Social connections matter deeply for mental and emotional health.

Tips to stay social:

• Attend family events and community gatherings.
• Join clubs or classes that interest you.
• Accept invitations, but don’t worry if you’re not invited everywhere.
• Even small interactions keep your world vibrant and fulfilling.

Be a Great Conversationalist

Listening is just as important as speaking. Avoid long-winded stories unless asked, and focus on meaningful, courteous dialogue.

Conversation tips:

• Listen first, speak second.
• Share wisdom without lecturing.
• Compliment and acknowledge others genuinely.
• Accept the Aches and Discomfort
• Aging comes with physical challenges, but they don’t define you.

Strategies for coping:

• Focus on abilities, not limitations.
• Incorporate gentle exercise and stretching.
• Mindset matters — don’t let pain overshadow your identity.

Forgive and Let Go

• Holding grudges only weighs you down. Forgiveness frees you.
• How to practice forgiveness:
• Apologize when necessary and forgive when hurt.

Remember: holding resentment is like taking poison expecting someone else to suffer.

Let go and move forward with peace.

Keep Your Faith Strong

Live your beliefs authentically. Faith can bring comfort, but it doesn’t require convincing others. Leading by example is enough.

Laugh Often and Celebrate Life

Humor keeps the spirit alive. You’ve reached an age many never do — celebrate it with laughter and joy.

Be Proud of Your Journey

People will always talk. Let them. Be proud of your story, accomplishments, and memories.

Life after 50 is about embracing who you are today, not worrying about what others think.

Life After 50 isn’t about waiting for death — it’s about truly living well after 50, enjoying your golden years, nurturing your health, staying socially active, and finding joy in every moment of life.

With love,
Doris

In 2021, during the lockdown, I started writing about gratitude.

After going through my second Authentic Live Workshop (online), I found my core process.

Writing gratitude works for some time until all the business of life gets over me.

That’s when I stopped writing for a while.

I am running out of ideas and focus.

My core process is “Inspiring Gratitude.”

There was a difference between writing and inspiring.

That is my definition of success.

While everyone’s level of success is and should be different as all of us want more and more.

I found out the hard way that the desire for more blinds us to what we have and are blessed with – good health, family, loved ones, our community, and how incredibly wonderful we are all connected in this world.

Yes, even when we are all cocoon in our bubble and pretty much “cut off” from each other – what we have is still pretty AWESOME.

Our life is blessed.

Once we start expressing gratitude, everything changes around us.

It is as if we wave a magic wand with a wave of our hand and a SMILE.

I hope to inspire gratitude in you to express that gratitude to the people who deserve it most.

XOXO

Quotes For Inspiring Gratitude

A

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” – A.A. Milne.

“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” – Aesop.

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer

“No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” Alfred North Whitehead

“I lie in bed at night, after ending my prayers with the words ‘Ich danke dir für all das Gute und Liebe und Schöne.’ (Thank you, God, for all that is good and dear and beautiful.).” – Anne Frank

“One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay ‘in kind’ somewhere else in life.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette.

B

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” Buddha

“‘Enough’ is a feast.” – Buddhist Proverb.

“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” – Brené Brown

C

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” – Charles Dickens.

“The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” Charles Schwab

“For my part, I am almost contented just now and very thankful. Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.” – Charlotte Brontë.

“Gratitude looks to the Past and love to the Present; fear, avarice, lust, and ambition look ahead.” – C.S. Lewis.

D

“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” – Douglas Wood.

E

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

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” – Epicurus.

F

“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” Frank A. Clark

“Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

G

“If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.” Gerald Good.

“It’s a funny thing about life; once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton.

“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” – G.K. Chesterton.

H

“The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.” – Hannah Whitall Smith.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” – Henri Frederic Amiel.

“Gratitude goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen.

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies, but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” – Henry Ward Beecher.

I

“Got no checkbooks, got no banks; still, I’d like to express my thanks. I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night.” – Irving Berlin.

J

“No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.” – James Allen

“Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.” – Jefferson Bethke

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” John Wooden

“The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” John E. Southard

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” – John F. Kennedy

“Gratitude bestows reverence…changing forever how we experience life and the world.” – John Milton

“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” – John Ortberg

K

“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” – Karl Barth

M

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins.

“I’m still thanking all the stars, one by one.” – Marissa Meyer.

“This a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” Maya Angelou
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” – Maya Angelou

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” – Meister Eckhart

“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.

“The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies, and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, flowered fields, and sandy beaches. It has plenty of stars and the promise of a new sunrise and sunset every day. What the world needs more of is people to appreciate and enjoy it.” Michael Josephson

“I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity, and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.” Mike Ericksen

N

“It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.” Naomi Williams

“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.” Neal A. Maxwell

O

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey

P

“If you fail to carry around with you a heart of gratitude for the love you’ve been so freely given, it is easy for you not to love others as you should.” – Paul David Tripp.

R

“Gratitude is more of a compliment to yourself than someone else.” Raheel Farooq

“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“In life, one has a choice to take one of two paths: to wait for some special day–or to celebrate each special day.” Rasheed Ogunlaru

“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” – Robert Breathe.

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

“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.” – Robert Holden.

“If you count all your assets, you always show a profit.” Robert Quillen

“Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.” – Rumi

S

“Gratitude also opens your eyes to the limitless potential of the universe, while dissatisfaction closes your eyes to it.” Stephen Richards

“Forget yesterday–it has already forgotten you. Don’t sweat tomorrow–you haven’t even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift–today.” Steve Maraboli

T

“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.”- Tecumseh.

“They both seemed to understand that describing it was beyond their powers, the gratitude that spreads through your body when a burden gets lifted, and the sense of homecoming that follows when you suddenly remember what it feels like to be yourself.” Tom Perrotta

“Keep your eyes open and try to catch people in your company doing something right, then praise them for it.” Tom Hopkins

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder.

V

“When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” – Vietnamese Proverb.

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire.

W

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William Arthur Ward

“O Lord that lends me life lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” – William Shakespeare.

“Rest and be thankful.” – William Wordsworth.

In my 50s, I look at other people struggling to make more money, save more money, grow more money – I often wonder why?

Even if you live in a palace, you can only sit in one chair at a time.

To lie down to sleep, you need a pillow, a blanket and a soft surface.

When everyone dies, they get the same size casket. There is no S, M, L or XL (unless the deceased is very obese)

The bare and true necessities: the things we must have – to be absolutely HAPPY

• Health
• Food
• Shelter
• A Purpose
• Family
• Close Relationships
• Be A Valued Member Of A Community
• Access to the Great Outdoors
• Some Physical Activity

When I realised the above.

It is not so hard to be happy and content.

I live in a tiny rented flat, drive an old car and use my dining table as my office desk.

I didn’t need any fancy equipment, just a simple laptop, a mobile phone and WiFI – that is enough for me to connect to the world and you, my dear readers.

Am I happy?

An absolute Yesss…

Health

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health to make money, then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.”

How Much Money You Need To Be Happy – The Story of The Fisherman And The Businessman

Do you know how much money you need to be happy?

This is a timeless question.

The truth is that we don’t need nearly as much money as most people think.

There is plenty of research that says most of the happiness you can obtain can be achieved at a basic living standard.

More money can contribute to more happiness, but only to a certain point.

This makes sense to me: does anyone honestly believe that people were not happy thousands of years ago, before the iPhone’s invention?

I believe that beyond the basics, everything else is FLUFF.

The most important things in life, the things that bring us basic happiness – most of those things are free or virtually free.

These things do not cost money, for the most part.

But it seems that few people get this.

People go through tremendous struggles to obtain something more, always more.

The following is a wonderful short story by one of my favourite authors: the famous Brazilian author, Paolo Coelho.

It’s an illustration of how little we may need to be happy.

The Fisherman And The Businessman by Paulo Coelho

There was once a businessman who was sitting by the beach in a small Brazilian village.

As he sat, he saw a Brazilian fisherman rowing a small boat towards the shore, having caught quite a few big fish.

The businessman was impressed and asked the fisherman, “How long does it take you to catch so many fish?”

The fisherman replied, “Oh, just a short while.”

“Then why don’t you stay longer at sea and catch even more?”

The businessman was astonished.

“This is enough to feed my whole family,” the fisherman said.

The businessman then asked, “So, what do you do for the rest of the day?”

The fisherman replied, “Well, I usually wake up early in the morning, go out to sea and catch a few fish, then go back and play with my kids. In the afternoon, I take a nap with my wife, and the evening comes, I join my buddies in the village for a drink — we play the guitar, sing and dance throughout the night.”

The businessman suggested the fisherman.

“I am a PhD in business management. I could help you to become a more successful person. From now on, you should spend more time at sea and try to catch as many fish as possible. When you have saved enough money, you could buy a bigger boat and catch even more fish. Soon you will be able to afford to buy more boats, set up your own company, your own production plant for canned food and your distribution network. By then, you will have moved out of this village and to Sao Paulo, where you can set up HQ to manage your other branches.”

The fisherman continues, “And after that?”

The businessman laughs heartily, “After that, you can live like a king in your own house, and when the time is right, you can go public and float your shares in the Stock Exchange, and you will be rich.”

The fisherman asks, “And after that?”

The businessman says, “After that, you can finally retire, you can move to a house by the fishing village, wake up early in the morning, catch a few fish, then return home to play with kids, have a nice afternoon nap with your wife, and when evening comes, you can join your buddies for a drink, play the guitar, sing and dance throughout the night!”

The fisherman was puzzled, “Isn’t that what I am doing now?”

Paulo Coelho de Souza is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist best known for his novel The Alchemist. In 2014, he uploaded his personal papers online to create a virtual Paulo Coelho Foundation.

Happiness Income (How Much Money Do You Need to Be Happy?

A well-known 2010 study by Princeton researchers Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton found that people tend to be happier as their annual income rises.

The “happiness” increases unit it reaches a point.

The Princeton researchers worked out that this was about $75,000.

While a person’s Income is associated with happiness, there are debates about the nature of how this associated.

Would happiness rise indefinitely with income, or is there a point at which higher incomes no longer lead to greater well-being?
A study that uses data from the Gallup World Poll shows astonishing results.

Globally, based on a sample of over 1.7 million individuals worldwide, the satiation occurs at

• Life Evaluation at $95,000
• Emotional Well Being at $60,000 to $75,000

The study shows there is substantial variation across world regions, with satiation occurring later in wealthier regions.

In certain parts of the world, incomes beyond satiation are associated with lower life evaluations.

These findings on income and happiness have practical and theoretical significance at
• the individual
• institutional and
• national levels

They point to a degree of happiness adaptation and that money influences happiness by fulfilling both needs and increasing material desires.

How Much Money Do You Need To Be Happy?

So, again, do you know how much money you need to be happy?

Perhaps not nearly as much as you’ve been led to believe.

Obviously, we do need some money in this life to cover the basics.

Without that, we will likely be miserable.

But, you can certainly be happy without much else beyond the basics.

When you recognize this, you can quickly become free. Share this story with a friend today.

Source:
Does Money Buy Happiness? A Brief Summary of “High Income Improves Evaluation of Life But Not Emotional Well Being” PNAS Early Edition, September 6, 2010, By Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton

The Fisherman And The Businessman by Paulo Coelho