Happiness

My last few posts seem to have all been about food - mostly chocolate :) so now it's time for a change.Gratitude ...When was the last time you felt grateful for something or someone?Hopefully not too long ago - maybe even today already.I finally started a gratitude jar to make a note of little things I am grateful for each day. Many people keep a gratitude journal and log some positive events that happened during the day before they go to bed. Another way to do it is each morning to state 2 or 3 things that your are grateful for. This can help set up your brain ready for a positive day. You may have seen on Twitter and Facebook the "100 happy days" challenge where people have been posting pictures of things that make them happy.Some days it can be hard to find the positivity we all love and benefit from, infact some weeks, months and even years can seem to bring nothing but "challenges" or you might call them problems.It's unlikely any of you reading this have not experienced illnesses, deaths, marriage break ups etc of close friends and family, even work colleagues but even during these low points you can still take a moment to notice all the nice things around us.I'm currently working with someone who has terminal cancer, a brain tumour and the way it manifests physically is similar to symptoms of a stroke survivor (but a bit worse in terms of his speech). I was really saddened to hear how he was treated recently at an upmarket hotel - the staff thought he was drunk and refused him to go into the bar. Imagine how upsetting that was for his family who were with him. We need to be more accepting if people don't fit the norm, they may be a reason they walk and talk funny.It's ok if you think the fact that putting on a few pounds is the end of the world but in reality it probably isn't, so how about thinking of all the lovely things that make you smile or feel warm inside - they are out there we just need to see them.It might be the:Colourful spring flowersThe seaThe pretty pattern on top of a flat white at a coffee shopThe smell of fresh bread bakingThe smile from a strangerA hug from a friendA car letting you out at a busy junctionHearing a busker playing some beautiful musicComing home to someone special after a tough dayAn unexpected card saying thank you for somethingA beautiful sunriseThe list really is endless…..The gratitude log, journal or jar can help us take our thoughts to more uplifting experiences.Did you know the brain is programmed to remember negative things easier than positive ones - this is what helps us realise that when we step out into the road and almost get hit by a car that next time we should look both ways first. It is our self preservation toolkit…. but doesn't help our mood somedays when all we seem to do is negative brain chatter.So my challenge to you over the nest few weeks is a daily gratitude log or jar - whatever works for you.I'm grateful that the Blood Service can accept my blood ( as many people are unable to donate who want to) so a few times a year I give about 45 minutes of my time (the actual donation takes about 10 mins) to donate blood. In fact this week was my 23rd pint! Why not give it a go as you can book an appointment plus there is free tea and biscuits so what's not to like! You can find out more or book up at a local venue hereps I am VERY grateful for the fact my body works and allows me to get out and exercise - what is your excuse for not exercising?If you want to sign up for a trial at our bootcamp classes in Bath click here