Pay attention to what you have, be grateful

How many people do you know who want to be happy, healthy and live a long life?

This might sound like a stupid question. However, even when we all want the same thing, we don’t really pay much attention to what we already have. So we end up always chasing the next thing that we want.

We tend to think that this is human nature. But is it? Or are we the one that is creating this always-asking-for-more mindset? Of course, while I am talking in a very-generalized way about what I observe in other people, I am doing the same thing myself, too!

Last year, COVID-19 changed many people’s lives, and more people have started to think and pay attention to their health, and in doing so are actually realizing that our health is, of course, the most-important thing in our life. Being completely healthy means that we are rich, happy and at ease.

But do we really need to wait for something bad to happen in our life to start thinking of our health and being grateful?

We can lose everything in one moment, but we can also become happy in one moment, too.

Being appreciative all the time actually gives us happiness, and happiness has an enormously positive effect on our health.

Did you know that when you are grateful you cannot be angry, sad or stressed at the same time?

We often forget to say “thank you” for what we already have. We may not have enough time to exercise or meditate, but happiness does not need any time. All you need to do is pay attention. We have everything that we need to be grateful for.

“There is no need to search; achievement leads to nowhere,” writes Dan Millman in his book “Way of the Peaceful Warrior.”

He continues: “It makes no difference at all, so just be happy now! Love is the only reality of the world, because it is all One, you see. And the only laws are paradox, humor and change. There is no problem, never was, and never will be. Release your struggle, let go of your mind, throw away your concerns, and relax into the world. No need to resist life, just do your best. Open your eyes and see that you are far more than you imagine. You are the world, you are the universe; you are yourself and everyone else, too! It’s all the marvelous Play of God. Wake up, regain your humor. Don’t worry, just be happy. You are already free!”

You don’t need to wait to be sick before you start to eat healthily or start regular activity. You don’t need to wait to buy a new house, or a new car, or to lose some weight to be happy.

Most of us forget how lucky we are to even be able to read this article. Don’t wait to change your lifestyle for the better. We all know how to start, and we know that decision needs action. Without acting upon our decisions they will stay just in our thoughts.

Science tells us that if you are practicing gratitude and writing down what you are grateful for, then you most likely will have less anxiety and depression, you will improve your mood, and you will have lasting effects of happiness, too.

And gratitude also releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good, improves positive thinking, improves memory, makes you more alert and motivates you!

We all have this free key to happiness and health. We just need to pay attention and be grateful every day. Whatever life you are in, you can always improve and feel better than before.

•••

Ayda Ersoy is a nutritionist (Dip.C.N., Dip.S.N.); master trainer (CPT ACE, NCSF, CanfitPro); registered yoga teacher; founder, Health Angel Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness; and founder, SMS (Stability, Mobility Strength) Intuitive Training System.