This is my experience: 

A choice can be made in each and every moment. Living in gratitude may be cultivated, despite challenges and other happenings in life. There is no shortcut to a place of such joy, however. To preach it without its true meaning, makes for an artificial idea. Ideas are great, but they go no deeper than the head, which is on top of our shoulders (of course). To be genuine we have to fully feel what is obscuring, covering, holding back the deeper light in us. Out heart has to open and our heart will love, regardless. This is a choice; our journey to this place inside. Rewarding every time, to come back to such freedom. I still get tangled up in fear, anxiety, expectations contra disappointment (of things not turning out the way I wanted) but with awareness the road out is never long. Intense perhaps, but short. And the heart can open like a flower, filled with love, again and again and again. What a wonderful life.

A Happy New Year to All!

Love J