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

Recommend reading: An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy.

Think of what you have rather than of what you lack. Of the things you have, select the best and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them.

Recommended reading: Meditations.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Recommended reading: Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Recommended reading: The Art of Happiness: A handbook for living.

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.

Recommended reading: The Undiscovered Self.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, then there will be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.

Recommended reading: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.

Recommended reading: The Psychology of Winning.

If you start to think the problem is ‘out there’, stop yourself. That thought is the problem.

Recommended reading: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change.

Everything is a gift of the universe – even joy, anger, jealousy, frustration, or separateness. Everything is perfect either for our growth or our enjoyment.

Recommended reading: Three Prescriptions for Happiness.

If you look to others for fulfilment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you.

Recommended reading: The Complete Works of Lao Tzu: Tao Teh Ching & Hau Hu Ching.