We all face different challenges in life-we lose loved ones or jobs, fail at relationships or at achieving our goals. While our pain and grief are incomparable among us, one thing is true of all of us: we were created for happiness. But how do you reclaim this birthright in the face of devastating loss, or even just amid the daily hurts and disappointments that pile up year after year?

Step one: acceptance. By choosing to accept the reality of your circumstances, you make a mental shift that allows the healing process to begin. The surprising result? Peace. It may not arrive...

Gratitude, Grace and God Things is a personal journal of discovery for anyone who is seeking clarity, guidance and healing in their lives. Use on its own or as a companion to the book Back to Happy. The suggested reflection exercise will help uncover the meaning behind many of life's events and gain insight into your life's purpose.

The key to sustaining happiness is practice. Use this journal as your daily happiness practice and reminder of your dreams, intentions and goals for the future. Use it to track all aspects of your progress. Have fun with it. Approach it with joy and a lightness of heart and watch the miracles begin to happen