How Gratitude Helps Us to Refocus and Redirect Our Lives, Even in the Face of Hardship

What kept Gene "Chief" Saunders of Chesapeake, Va., motivated despite the fact that hardly anyone believed in Project Lifesaver, his new idea which would eventually grow to an essential non-profit, saving the lives of 2,000 people with dementia, autism and other disorders which make them prone to wandering? The continuous expressions of appreciation from profoundly grateful family members. It's the same force that inspired me, amid tremendous personal challenges, to create ThankingOfYou.com, a Web site for the posting and searching of stories of gratitude for those who've made a difference in a lifetime. Gratitude illuminates the good in situations. Even bad situations. Gratitude doesn't erase hardship, rather it transcends circumstance and promotes a sort of perpetual positivity despite what's happening at another level. Inherent in its "DNA" are the blueprints for the inspiration of great acts and the realization of profound joy. The more you're thankful, the more "You're welcome." Furthermore, the recognition of one's own strengths, supports, gifts and good fortune illuminates such positivity and fosters the joy of sharing it.