Maybe you have thought a lot about what is lacking in the last months or you have heard others complain about it. No doubt we have all experienced restrictions, which have made us aware of what we previously took for granted. Perhaps you have noticed that this consciousness triggers something in you. As so often, there are two sides to the coin. I am referring to the consciousness of lack or abundance.
Today I briefly describe these two perspectives and give you a short practical guide on how to achieve happiness.
Through our socialization we all bring a certain tendency to see the glass as either half empty or full. For example, if you remember that your parents had to pinch pennies, you may be more inclined to perceive and act out of a sense of lack. In this case, it can be difficult to spend money with pleasure, even if this would objectively not mean any financial risk for you. On an emotional level, an early experience of deficiency can result in the feeling that it can "never be enough" in adulthood. In return, people who have enjoyed all the love and care, whether emotional or financial, that they needed will be more likely to develop a sense of abundance. This can be shown, for example, by integrated beliefs such as "I have everything I need" and "Life is good to me" or a fundamentally optimistic expectation. Of course, these are only two poles of a spectrum and exemplary effects that can take on completely different forms depending on the individual. But maybe you find yourself in one or the other description or it inspires thoughts about the tendencies you see in yourself.
It is probably unsurprising that an awareness of deficiencies is often accompanied by dissatisfaction. The exciting thing is that at this point we have the opportunity to influence our personal tendency towards our satisfaction. The key is: gratitude. It is as simple as it is effective.
Before you go to bed and/or after waking up or while brushing your teeth, take two minutes to think about what you are thankful for today. Of course you can also adress points that you generally appreciate, but it is more effective to look for current occasions for which you are thankful , because it triggers a higher emotional response.
If you can't think of anything spontaneously, you can think of different areas of life: health & fitness, family, partnership & friends, work, financial status, leisure & hobbies, politics & economy, etc. Everything that affects you in any way is relevant. Don't be afraid to appreciate "objectively small" things! Even the smile of an oncoming pedestrian or that the last roll of toilet paper was just about enough can serve as an anchor of gratitude and brighten your day.
Of course, it can be helpful to make a big list of all the things you are thankful for at once, but just like in sports it is better to regularly do short units that you enjoy than to do power units that cause a hangover.
In this sense, I thank you for taking the time to read these lines and above all I wish you happiness!
EN 
DE