Those of you who may be new to this blog might be unaware that the “T” in the acronym SMART stands for thankful.  I included it precisely because I know without a doubt that the practice of gratitude and thankfulness is essential to a happy, fulfilled and content life.   At the same time I am also aware that just about every person I know and every blog I read with a focus on happiness, simple living and minimalism reports that a fundamental concept to the philosophy is appreciating what you have right now (in other words, “gratitude.”)   What I find a bit surprising is that even though so many of us admit that it is important, something holds us back from the actual practice of it on a daily basis.  Could it be possible that practicing thankfulness every day and making thanks living a habit, is the key to creating both a great minimalist lifestyle and a happy life?  [Read more…]