I often find myself complaining. About things that I shouldn't complain,  at ALL!

Until one day you read on the news that a tragic fire accident happened and killed over 230 young lives. Sad. There are not even words to express how sad this was. It makes me think: Why am I complaining again about things that are nothing compared to a loss of a loved one? I know sometimes is hard to see the bright side, I'm human, I make mistakes, I need to vent! But truth is, I wouldn't have to if I focused more on the great things I have in my life. I feel I need to appreciate MORE, take the time to focus on the good things and turn the "bad" things into good things, seeing this as an opportunity to challenge myself and become a better person.

There are so many people fighting for their lives right now that makes me feel ashamed for even complaining about insignificant things like I do some times. I feel like complaining about something is human nature, we often might feel that things and people are unfair with us, this and that. But if  I focus on being more grateful for the things I have, I'm pretty sure life will feel much lighter, easier to face the little or big challenges life throws your way.

So I've created a gratitude jar! - It's actually an old candle glass, but I like to call it a jar :) - Every night before going to bed I take the time to write down at least 3 good things that happened that day. Even if they are stupid or "bad" things, I'm sure I'll be thanking they happened one day. I know I can just 'think' about how my day was and what happened but I'm a visual person! And I love remembering things years later :)

And on December 31st, 2013 I'll open it and read all the little moments and thoughts I had throughout the year. And every time I look at it it will remind me of how many things I am grateful for besides the obvious fact that I'm alive, healthy and surrounded by people I love (and that sometimes I take it for granted). I hope that by the end of the year I'll have more than one jar filled up! What else can I ask for?