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A combination lock opens only when several numbers are entered in the exact order.

Many of our blessings work similarly: They exist because a sequence of events unfolded in a sparticular order.

Writing about the unlikely sequence of events that contributed to your blessings can deepen your gratitude.

This writing activity may inspire autobiographical awe and turn what seems ordinary into a miracle.

Most of us understand the danger of taking our blessings for granted. Yet simply knowing this rarely makes us grateful. Even in a life filled with good things, joy can remain strangely elusive.

So what can we do? Telling ourselves that we should be grateful is not especially helpful. Gratitude does not respond well to commands. There are simply no shoulds in gratitude.

Instead, we need to change how we understand the good things in our lives.

The Giant Combination Lock

Think of something precious in your life as a giant combination lock. Combination locks open only when several numbers are entered in the exact order. One wrong number, and the lock remains closed.

Many of the best things in our lives work in a similar way. They exist because a long sequence of people, decisions, conversations, accidents, setbacks, and opportunities unfolded in a particular order.

Change one part of that sequence, and your life might look completely different. A friendship may have begun because you happened to attend an event you nearly skipped. A career may have emerged from a random conversation that lasted only a few minutes. A loving relationship may depend on two families making dozens of decisions across several generations.

What now feels ordinary may once........

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