I have to confess to being a big fan of the X Factor. If, like me, you avidly followed the contestants who competed in the run-up to Christmas 2005, you won’t have missed the week where Chico was eliminated. I was very impressed with Chico, not for his questionable talent, but for his magnificent attitude.

When eliminated, was he sad or upset? No. He said (and I believe that he absolutely meant it) “Some people are sad because it’s coming to an end. I rejoice because it happened. And I’m so grateful.”

Whether he realizes it or not, Chico’s attitude is a positive magnet, which will help him to attract plenty more experiences worth rejoicing over. When we are being grateful, we are putting positive attention on the things in our lives that we are pleased to be experiencing, and what we focus on grows. So, by focusing our attention in this positive manner we are opening ourselves up to experience more of the same, and better. Try it and see. When you practice gratitude regularly, you start to notice more frequently all the many little things in your life there is to be grateful for. And when you notice the good things, you feel good. When you notice the good things every day, you feel great!

Take two minutes a day to make a mental list of what you are grateful for right now. Appreciate the beauty of nature, the cuteness of kittens at play, and every single penny that comes your way. There are always blessings to count, and appreciation of all that is good in our life attracts many more things to be grateful for! Give it a try - I promise you will feel happier for it.

What I am grateful for today:

• that you are taking the time to read this newsletter
• that I am living a charmed life
• for unexpected opportunities that have come my way

Hilda Carroll
http://www.thehappinessbusiness.com