A word on gratitude

This is by Edward Hays from The Great Escape Manual :

It is important not only to be grateful to others but also to be grateful for others. We need to cultivate a gratitude for others' giftedness in the same way that we appreciate a beautiful sunset or a smile from a loved one. Others always seem to have been given gifts in life that we desire, and so it's easy to be envious. Riding sidesaddle with envy is a dangerous practice: I would be happy if I had what he or she possesses. By contrast, giving thanks constantly and in all circumstances liberates us from envy.

This is similar to the practice called "sympathetic joy" - the ability to be joyful over another person's success or good fortune. When we are intentional about such a practice, it truly is uplifting and is a powerful antidote to dissatisfaction with our own circumstances.