December at The Happier You community is all about gratitude! It’s one of the first happiness tools I implemented, and it’s simple, free, and life-changing. In this episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt story from Benjamin Hardy’s book The Gap and The Gain that hit me right where I live. It’s about focusing on what’s missing instead of appreciating what’s already there—and how gratitude can shift that perspective.

I also introduce you to a powerful tool called mental subtraction—a research-backed technique to deepen your gratitude and boost your happiness. Plus, I open up about my own struggles with staying in “The Gain” and how I’m learning to embrace gratitude even when life doesn’t go as planned.

If you’re ready to feel more joyful, even during life’s challenges, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between living in “The Gap” vs. “The Gain”
• How gratitude strengthens your “happiness muscle”
• A simple mental subtraction exercise to boost gratitude and happiness
• Why practicing gratitude doesn’t mean settling for less or accepting unfairness
• How to appreciate the good in your life—even the smallest blessings

Today's Quote:
"I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude." — Brené Brown

Resources Mentioned:

• The Gap and The Gain by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan
• The Mental Subtraction Exercise (science-backed gratitude technique)

Your Challenge for the Week:
Take the mental subtraction challenge: Think of one thing in your life that you take for granted and imagine life without it. Notice how this shifts your perspective and helps you appreciate the blessings you already have.

Join the Conversation:

• How do you practice gratitude in your life?
• Have you ever noticed yourself getting stuck in “The Gap”?

Share your thoughts and takeaways with me over on Facebook.

Subscribe & Review:
If you’re enjoying The Happier You podcast, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people and spread happiness even further.

Stay Connected:

• Join the Happier You Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehappieryou
• Sign up for my free December Gratitude Challenge: https://thehappieryounet.kit.com/gratitude30