When we feel happy, safe, protected, and loved, we are grateful. It is so easy to be grateful when things are going our way, however, it is a challenge when we are hurt or disappointed. Putting aside politics, if we are feeling angry, betrayed, or depressed, we might try expressing gratitude and seeking serenity.

Researchers writing for Frontiers in Psychology report "that gratitude and life satisfaction mutually predict each other over time. The reciprocal relationships suggest the existence of a virtuous circle of human well-being: higher levels of gratitude increase life satisfaction, which in turn increases gratitude, leading to a positive spiral.''

What is it that you wish to see for yourself in this new year? A simple place to start is seeking serenity. Here are seven steps to guide all of us to a more peaceful place.

Step 1: Identify........

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