I don't think that happiness is about gaining material objects and wealth like our societies, advertising, and many corporations teach us.

I do believe, however, that our happiness and fulfillment is largely controlled by our perception of the world. Even our mood during the day affects it. Ever had a day where everything was going wrong and something happened to completely change your perception or mood? Perhaps you watched TV and realized how much better you have it then others. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina, in the USA, comes to mind. Perhaps your moment was just a simple unexpected act of kindness.

Suddenly you felt appreciation. Gratitude. Appreciation is one of the most powerful tools in our mind's arsenal right now. The Institute of Heartmath has actually monitored how the heart reacts to both frustration and appreciation. During frustration the heart rhythm is erratic and jumpy. During appreciation the heart rhythm is even and regular. What does that tell you? We need to focus on what is good in our lives.

Appreciation is a form of love. Being appreciative is one of the keys to living a fulfilled life.

Action: List the major people places and things in your life that you appreciate. Write them on an index card or even the body of an email. Place the index cards strategically and read them it regularly during the day. For the email one, leave it open and read it, every time you check your mail. Make this a life-long habit.

Action: Realize that if you can't repair, change, or avoid a bothersome situation or problem, just accept it and move on. You know what to do. You've done this before. Do it this time in the name of gratitude and your mind will rest on the good vibes that feeling thankful will bring.

It is time to change your way of thinking. It's time to think of ways to change.

So long until next time,

Please consider this article for your website, blog or ezine. Permission to reprint if by-line stays intact and links are activated on the Internet.

Terry Vermeylen

I truly believe that our current lifestyle leaves us with little time to breathe and reflect on the path we are taking in our lives.

Hi, my name is Terry and I am the founder of mylifechanges.com, an online value identification and goal setting enterprise. I have a great passion for life and self-improvement, thus I created this website to share my passion and to move people to improve their lives by living through their core values and setting lasting goals. My own personal core values include passion, wealth, beauty, action, compassion and appreciation. My primary passion is wealth building using common sense.

My idea for the website started with my passion and study of philosophy, psychology, self-improvement and business. I own and draw from an extensive collection of books on all these subjects. I also enjoy writing and will be publishing a newsletter focusing on value and goal setting, as well as a number of other self-help subjects. I have worked for three major corporations in a wide range of jobs and also clearly understand the corporate world. Most recently I worked as a business analyst performing process improvement.

It takes about 30 days to break in a new habit, so My Life Changes is an in-your-face, self-motivating tool, with bright colors highlighting each day taken towards that new goal, habit or choice.

My Life Changes has added on a timeline section, journal and e-mail reminders as complementary tools to your quest for a better life. A prototype of My Life Changes was used for over a year before settling on the current design. It has been a genuine labour of love.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions concerning the web site or any of my self-improvement philosophies. I will be more than happy to answer.

All the best,

Terry Vermeylen