Gratitude is one of the more important emotions we can feel, in terms of enhancing our lives. It is not the only emotion we need to have, to be balanced, well, and healthy. However, I will briefly outline some aspects of gratitude, in terms of the way it can help us, and ways you can use it to your benefit, and that of those around you.

I have found that personal experience is a great way to explain my stories, and this article is no exception. I had been going through a very difficult time in my life, and was feeling very dejected and even though I knew there were ways to move forward, was in one of those mind states where I just felt sorry for myself. Let me tell you, I do not recommend you remain in a state like that for long. It's bad news, does not do anything positive for you, or those around you, and can easily spiral out of control. So, you may well ask, then what? "What can I do if I am in a similar state of mind?" It is a great question, because if you know the answer to that one, you can really start moving ahead.

I have often found that no matter what situation I was in, and the same will apply for you, there will always be something good in your life, for which you can be thankful for. If you've just burst out laughing, because you think this is the biggest joke you have ever heard, given your situation, let's consider a few things. Firstly, you are able to actually

• Laugh. This is a healing mechanism of the body and is very powerful.
• The chances are that if you're reading this, you probably either own, or have access to a computer, something that less than twenty percent of the world population have. Naturally, in the USA, the figure is higher, closer to around sixty percent, as at 2009. However, I think you will be able to see my point here.
• You can read, which again, is a privilege less than half of the world population have, and that places you far ahead, in terms of opportunities available to you.
• You have a brain, and the ability to train it, given the will, and access to information. Again, with a computer, as above, your chances are looking pretty good.
• You can look at all the other things you have, which could be your health, or access to medical care, a family, even if if you are suffering from problems.

The above list is by no means exhaustive, but I wanted to give you an idea from which to start looking at all the things you have. It may be as simple as the fact that you had food to eat for breakfast, and are nourished through the day. It may also be something very much bigger. We are all different, and living in different situations. However, understanding these points makes it easier to see all we have, and helps us to show gratitude.

Now, for the real big-cheese point here. Have you ever considered being grateful for what you do not seem to have yet? Yes, I know that may seem like I have really taken a leap into the loopy home, but I am being serious. This is a concept that works. Let me explain.

When you set your mind on a path of a particular goal, or 'thing' that you want, you subconsciously start to reprogram yourself, by working towards, and also, coming into contact with people and circumstances that will help you achieve your desire. This does not mean that you can say, 'Thanks for the great sports car' and then just forget about it, and see it the next day.

I am referring to a slightly more organised approach. If your goal is a sports car, you need to become emotionally attached to it, and be detailed. In other words, imagine the detailed feelings you are having, when you are sitting in the car. Be detailed, and imagine the colour, the style, even the smell of the interior, as well as the feel of the drive. What does it sound like, and how are you feeling about yourself? By being this clear in your imaginative mind, you will be more accurately programming your mind to see opportunities, as well as be more inclined to come into contact with the right people to help you through as well. I know it may all seem 'way out there', but these principles have been proven, time and time again.

To apply this to your situation, then, use the image of your desired gain, which can be a physical thing, or even a position or job, and essentially, any thing else you like. Just be clear in your mind of your desired good, and be grateful, and thankful for it already being given to you. The reason I say you need to imagine you already have it, is that this will change your perspective, and attract the situations to you, as your behaviour will change as well. All of this is very subtle, but has been proven.

I would have to say the best way to prove this, is to do it yourself. You will find yourself much happier, in yourself, as well as outwardly. In many cases, you will end up with more than you even imagined possible. Too many people have applied this principle to their lives, with success, to ignore the principles here. I first read about this concept in The 'Think and Grow Rich" book By Napoleon Hill, and have been applying it in my life ever since.

However, as a caveat, you still need to go out there and be a go getter, and be determined. Mixing that with your grateful feelings, for things you have, as well as the things you will soon have, but feel you have already, will make all the difference.