Gratitude is the key to happiness, says Brad Hirschfield, a commentator on religion, society and pop culture, and author of
"You Don't Have to be Wrong for Me to be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism," published by Harmony.
"The one thing which neuroscientists and psychiatrists keep telling us is if you can practice gratitude on a regular basis, you actually have a path to personal happiness," Hirschfield told Rick Ungar, guest host of "The Steve Malzberg Show," Wednesday on
Newsmax TV.
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"You don't get happier by trying to be happier. It doesn't work. Everybody can reach out and help another person … I dare you to do it and try not to smile while you're done."
Hirschfield also suggests keeping a diary.
"Every day for a few seconds, write down or say to yourself one thing that you can be grateful for," he said.
"It does not make the bad stuff go away. I'm not naïve, I don’t wear rose-colored glasses, but everyday … find one thing, scribble it down, say it to yourself, think about it, and it is amazing.
"That gratitude diary — whether on paper or in your brain — actually begins to change how you appreciate life."
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