The world is ending.
Life as we know it is over.
Things are going to hell in a hand basket.
Doesn't it feel that way sometimes? All the time? Doesn't it seem like we are plagued by bad news, dire events, political upheaval, and mass tragedies?
If those weren't enough, every day our inboxes and social media feeds are cluttered with updates on the newest disease that will kill us, the stuff we should buy to feel happy, and all of the reasons we aren't attractive, wealthy, or successful enough.
We are bombarded with negativity and manipulation, which keeps us weirdly addicted to the information that is feeding our inner angst and unhappiness.
But if you turned off the television, shut down your phone, and closed the lid on your computer, life wouldn't seem so bad, would it?
You have most of what you need and a lot of what you want in life. There are good things happening all around you. People love you. There's food on the table. You have a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head.
The antidote to our unhappiness isn't the newest thing, the better politician, the latest diet fad, or the next achievement. The antidote is gratitude. Gratitude for what you have right now. Gratitude for the people in your life. Gratitude for all good things that are available to you in this moment.
Being grateful isn't an idea you stick on a Post-It note for a quick shot of feel-good. There's a reason (many reasons) why you are hearing it touted so much.
Gratitude can transform you. It can pull you from the vortex of negativity that is sucking the life out of you and give you a renewed sense of purpose and joy. I know this and so does science.
According to an article in the Harvard Healthy Newsletter which outlines research on the topic, "gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships."
Barrie is a 
