Apparently the biggest determiner of happiness is gratitude. 

Over Christmas, my childhood girlfriends and I got together for our annual holiday potluck and this topic came up. One of my dear friends said she had read that writing down three things you are grateful for each day has a significant impact on one's level of contentment and fulfillment. I find this both interesting and incredibly accurate. If you can look at your life in terms of what you do have versus what you lack, how could you not feel more fulfilled? 

The truth is, we all get caught up in the "more mentality." The more we have, the more we want. I'm just as guilty as anyone else. But one thing is for sure: It's important to appreciate the little things. A nice hot bath, a glass of wine, a sweet text message... some of life's simplest pleasures pack the most punch. 

I challenge you to list (either in your head or on paper or screen) three things you are grateful for right now, at this very moment. It can be the fact that you have air in your lungs, that those you love are safe, that today is Friday. Whatever you want or feel! When you think about it, there really is so much to be grateful for. And you know what? I bet you'll have an even better weekend.

If you are having some trouble finding gratitude, Oprah has started her free 21-day meditation challenge once again and this time it is all about gratitude. Enjoy! 

This time last year my girlfriends and I participated (some more successfully than others ;) in a social media challenge called 100 Happy Days. The idea was to post one moment of happiness, however big or small, every day for 100 straight days. You can see the challenge's website here: http://100happydays.com.

Although it was a year ago, I still think about it and often catch myself thinking 'this would be my happy moment of the day.' I keep a 5 Year Journal and some days I write down a happy moment as my line for the day (some days it's events, thoughts, feelings...etc.), I think it's important to appreciate the little things in life. Catching the sunrise, a beautifully made coffee, a surprise flower delivery from your mama because spring is on its way.

I've heard gratitude is the number 1 thing you can do to live a happy life. When you take the time to appreciate moments of happiness, even in a hectic day, the day turns around — it's no longer just about the stress or the chaos, it's about acknowledging the positive things you've got going on. A gentle reminder that there is good in every day.

I don't think you need a social media challenge to recognize the good in every day, but it was a fun experience and I was proud of myself for completing it (the website claims 70 per cent of people don't finish). 

What do you think? Would you ever give the 100 Happy Days a shot?