None of us here on this earth got to where we are just by our own will and efforts. What we are today is due not only to our own actions but also to those of others in our lives.

Most importantly, however, is the fact that our lives are completely dependent on God’s will for us.

Even though there may be many aspects of our lives that we are not satisfied with, everything that we go through is part of His plan to mold us into the person that He wants us to be. 

One of the best ways to come to terms with this fact is by displaying gratitude to God for all the good things going on in our lives. Every person reading this has something to be thankful for.

Showing gratitude every day forces us to take notice of the small things in life that we might otherwise take for granted.

A while back I read about a simple way to flex our gratitude muscles. It’s easy to use—just remember “1 X 3 X 45.” 

What you do is look for the positives in your life for 1 minute, 3 times a day, for 45 days. You can set a reminder or alarm on your phone to pause during your busy day and perform this simple exercise. 

It takes only a minute—literally—but it could radically change your outlook on life and set you up for a lifetime of being grateful. As you’re thinking about all the good things that are going on in your life, thank God for each one of them. Thank Him that He’s working in your life each day and that He’s given you these blessings.

And don’t think that there’s nothing positive that you can be thankful for. 

We all have something that we can thank God for, even if it’s something as small as finding a convenient parking place. Maybe you didn’t have to wait long for the elevator at work. Or maybe your kids got out of bed this morning without a fuss. It could be anything.

So, go ahead and try this little exercise for 45 days. Do it every day, 3 times a day and discover for yourself what kind of difference it makes on your outlook in life.