I look back at the past year and I feel a warmth in my heart for everything I have achieved. This year, we tied the knot, bought our first home, explored new places, made new friends, and reconnected with old acquaintances. Initially, it seemed like there was nothing to be grateful for, with numerous unmet goals and targets. But now, reflecting on the year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all that we have experienced and accomplished.

In this brand new year, I urge you to embrace gratitude wholeheartedly. Be grateful for every accomplishment, no matter how small you may perceive it to be. Be thankful for the love that surrounds you. Cherish gratitude for all the aspirations and objectives you’ve set for this year. When you truly embody gratitude, you will uncover countless more reasons to be thankful.

It’s natural to focus on the disappointments and unmet goals, but it’s important to also recognise and celebrate the success and joy that the year brought. Remember, the journey of life is filled with a mix of experiences, and it’s the combination of challenges and victories that shapes our growth and perspective. Embracing gratitude for the positive moments can help provide balance to the inevitable setbacks.

Practising gratitude can have a powerful and positive impact on our lives. It allows us to shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance that surrounds us. There are numerous reasons to be grateful, starting with the simplest things, such as the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the people we love. Expressing gratitude not only fosters a sense of appreciation but also contributes to our overall well-being and mental health. It encourages us to acknowledge the good in our lives and cultivates a positive outlook, even in challenging times.

I encourage you today to take out time to reflect on the past year and write down all the things you are grateful for, you will be amazed at what you have accomplished.

Always have an attitude of gratitude.

Sterling K. Brown