Easter is almost here. It represents a time of transformation and renewal. Spring is in the air, family and friends gather, and mother nature is starting her cycle to come back into full bloom. Christians celebrate their holy event, as they gather to worship at church. All of these things make us feel good at the heart level: Faith, family, and friends. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to have that sustained joy every day? Why not make some Easter resolutions for change that can affect your core, at the heart level? You might be surprised how doing some simple things can affect your life situations and outlook.

Have you ever known those people that always seem to have a smile, a positive attitude, and are joyous? Research has shown you cannot have joy without gratitude. If you appreciate things, it is your pathway to joy. One of my favorite sayings is “if you don’t appreciate things, God will keep taking them away until you do”. From the opposite perspective, when you are thankful and joyous, you attract good things and positive relationships. When you live your life not taking things for granted, every day feels like a holiday. Here are some simple things you can do to raise your awareness of things to be thankful for.

Sit down and make a list of the good things in your life? Good health, a home, a car, a job to provide, great kids, fun hobbies, travel, faith and fellowship, friends are all on my list. You can even get specific with good things that have happened to you recently. When I look at my list, it gives me perspective and I feel very blessed.

I know some families at dinner time like to go around the table and do the “Highs/Lows” so each person can talk about what they are thankful for, and also their low points. The lows create an opportunity for awareness and to have discussions among family on challenges at the same time.

Some people have a set time in their day for reflection and to be thankful for things. Others do it as part of their worship activities. Joy is something you can nurture not only for you, but those around you.

Another area that contributes to overall happiness is the joy associated with helping others. It is not a prideful joy of others seeing what a good person you are, but a joy in your heart that you know you made a difference. Studies also have shown that helping others actually triggers an area in the brain that release feel-good chemicals, which psychologists call a “helper’s high”. Helping others also helps boost your confidence and self-esteem. Stronger friendships, a better sense of community, and inner peace can all be other positives. Helping others does not have to be a large “save the world” project. It can be saying thank you, I love you to loved ones, just listening when someone needs someone to do that, or even asking someone if you can pray for them when they need it. It can be volunteer work if you want to do that. Helping others should become just part of who you are, and how you treat others with compassion. Helping others helps us all connect.

So let this Easter season be a time of renewal and transformation for you. I bet you cannot predict the good things that will happen with a few changes that will both make you happier, but also impact others.