The sought-after secret to the happiness of life is simple: gratitude.

"If only I was done with school... Maybe then I'd be more happy. Once I make more money, find a job I love, find time to travel more, have a bigger house, lose some weight or have better clothes... then that's when I'll start really being happy."

Instead of focusing on what we don't have, it's time for us to train our minds to focus on the abundance of all that we do have. Chances are, we have a lot more to be appreciative in our lives than we even realize. The ego is a dangerous thing and you're always going to want something. Whether it is that bigger house or better clothes, once that want is satisfied, a new one inevitably takes its place and the vicious cycle continues.

It doesn't matter where you live, where you come from or what your lifestyle and circumstances are. There is undoubtedly something to be grateful for in each and every single day. By shifting your thinking from what you could have to what you do have, you'll live a lighter and more joyful life.

Instead of thinking about how you wish you could make more money and find a better job, make a 180 degree shift in that mindset and be appreciative that you are lucky enough to have a job and make money at all. Instead of wishing you could find more time to travel, appreciate the short times you are able to and also be grateful of the busy life you live, doing something with your life where you're at. Rather than wishing for a bigger house, simply be happy that you have shelter altogether because many people don't have a place to call home at all. Instead of saying you'd be happier if you lost weight, make it a goal to become more fit, appreciative the process, make it fun and be grateful you've recognized you need a lifestyle change in the first place. Lastly, instead of relying on better clothes to contribute to your happiness, be thankful for the clothes you do have and that you're lucky enough to have something to cover you up.

One way you can easily get started in your gratitude transformation is by starting a gratitude journal.Buy a journal that you dedicate specifically to recording your grateful thoughts. At the end of each day, write down a few things you have to be grateful for whether it be about the day specifically or life in general. You can even take it a step further and note why you're grateful for it. Don't be tempted to skip writing on your crappy days too. Those times are usually when you should dig deep and look for something to be grateful for the most.

Each and every one of us are blessed and have so much to be grateful for. It takes a lot of practice but once you train your mind to see the brighter side of every situation, it'll all be worth it.