One of our counsellors in St Albans received a text message recently, from a former client: Two years' ago today I came to The Living Room, wishing the ground would swallow me whole and I wouldn't live to see another day... yet here I am, feeling most blessed and delighted to be alive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The new year is a great time to reflect on good things and develop the habit of appreciating all we have to be thankful for. Each evening, try asking what encouraged and inspired you during that day. Once you begin to focus on the positive aspects of your life, you may be surprised at the difference it makes.

Research has proven that the deliberate cultivation of gratitude can actually improve our health and wellbeing. Grateful people are also inclined to cope better and to show enhanced mental health. Happiness is wanting what you have, rather than having what you want.

In the words of a favourite A.A. Milne character: Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.

As a teenage, unmarried mother, told she was to give birth to the son of God, Mary was initially anxious. But her attitude changed rapidly, with her spirit rejoicing in God her Saviour. As Colossians reminds us: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And be thankful.

Could you make gratitude a decision, giving thanks in all circumstances?