The most important secret to happiness

Merry Christmas, my friend.

The truth is, I am rather melancholy this Christmas eve because it will be the first one I have ever spent alone. My children will be with my ex-wife and my family is miles away in Massachusetts.

But this is not supposed to be depressing but rather an essay on the biggest secret to happiness. It comes down to a single word: Gratitude.

Focusing on what we are already grateful opens the floodgates to receiving more. But that is not the goal of being grateful. Living with an attitude of gratitude makes you feel good and centers you.

My gratitude list (and yours) is so long it would be impossible to list everything but here is my top eleven (in no particular order).

1. My children: They are the greatest joy in my life and I am blessed to have them in my life.


2. My health: Is there anything more important than this?

3. My girlfriend: Alexis challenges me, makes me laugh, loves me and makes me very happy.

4. My parents: I teasingly cause them Ward and June (of "Leave It To Beaver" fame) but their caring, love and support (especially this past year) is a true blessing.

5. Tracey, my ex-wife and the mother of my children: This was an extremely tough year for both of us. But through it all she remained a great mother and my kids are lucky to have her.

6. Living in the United States of America: No disrespect for my international readers but my honest belief is I live in the greatest, most generous, compassionate and wonderful nation on earth.

7. My sisters: Amy and Sue were so supportive, caring and showed me unconditional love this past year.

8. The music, books, movies, seminars, and DVDs that enrich me and add immeasurable joy to my life.

9. My shelter, food and clothing: Things I take for granted but that other people long for.

10. My friends. Randy, who not only owns the best customer service company on the planet but who is also is a dear, caring friend. Gino, my best friend since I was seven years old who would do anything for me and who is always there when I need him the most.

11. My customers and clients. This is not pandering but truth. Without you, I could not live life exactly as I want to. Thank you for all of your support.

Have a wonderful and grateful Christmas season.

Warmly,
Dave Dee