I make lists of my blessings. Most of my blessings are non-monetary, such as: Linda, my salvation (the life-changer!), my sons, their wives, my baby grandson, my family, my church family, the opportunity to work as a pastor, and as a teacher, the wonder of God's creation, a roof over my head, food on the table, living until 71 (and hopefully more)... things like these.
I write my blessings, and things I am thankful for, on 3X5 cards and carry them with me.
I have written them on an email, which I periodically mail to myself, as a reminder.
This keeps me focused. And "happy," in the Be-attitude-sense of
μακάριος,a \{mak-ar'-ee-os} From Matthew 5
1) blessed, happyI am makarios. Happy.
I know the source of my happiness. Today I am reminded of this, as I read the entry from Through the Year with Thomas Merton.