As we concluded the book, I asked Ella, "What's the secret to happiness?" She replied without pause, "Gratitude, not maditude!"
When I asked her what "maditude" means she explained that maditude is when you are angry and mean because you don't think you have enough to be happy. Seriously. That child is wise beyond her years.
The timing of it was perfect though because just yesterday, before we had this discussion, I had spent the majority of my journal writing time listing all the things I was grateful for. Ella stumbled upon me and noticed that I was crying a bit, and asked why. I told her that I felt so good and happy because of the many rich blessings I have in my life. That was the end of the conversation, but I have been feeling since the turn of the new year so grateful for the many wonderful people, situations and experiences the Lord has granted me. I feel incredibly blessed and what do you know? I feel genuinely happy. Gratitude truly is the secret to happiness.
"Everyone can be discontented if he ignores his blessings and looks only at his burdens."
— Thomas S. Monson
"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude."
— Thomas S. Monson
The pictures below remind me of some of the many happy memories I have with my wonderful family:
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