Gratitude

I think being in a state of gratitude and appreciation provides a very positive motivation for one's actions. For the last couple years now I have been slowly attempting for this to be my primary state of being. Gratitude is powerfully positive, it leads one to humility in times where one would otherwise be too proud. It leads one to try to look past any contempt or hatred to find what we most appreciate about others, even others where it would seem to ourselves that contempt or hatred is warranted. It has a spiritual component no matter your religion. If you believe in a God or Gods you find yourself thanking him/her/them regularly for the blessings of your life. If you don't believe in any God you still will find yourself motivated to generally honor any boon, large or small, that you might have. As a life philosophy I find trying to keep oneself in a state of gratitude brings much more happiness and motivation to 'do good' and 'be good'.

There are too many things that I am grateful for to list. Family, Friends, Marvels of this day and Age, etc. Thanks to everyone and everything, whether direct or indirect, small or large, I am blessed by each and I am grateful.