As the year comes to an end, many of us are left with questions: What will next year be like? Will it be better than this one? How can I achieve everything I want? Why didn’t I accomplish all I had hoped for this year? We often bombard ourselves with so many questions and demands, it’s hard to keep track of them all.

I used to be so frustrated with myself for not reaching all of my goals, even to the point of pulling at my own hair (and I love my hair!). The result? Stress! I was unhappy, and I failed to appreciate what I already had— which was quite a lot.

Over the years, after going through a divorce and facing several disappointments, I learned something valuable: the power of gratitude and living in the present. But how did I get there?

It was a long journey, but I want to share what I’ve learned, because you can find happiness wherever you are, too. The first step I took was learning to stop and calm my mind—essentially, to meditate.

I know it’s hard! The problem is, we always think we don’t have the time, or the right place, or we put other obstacles in our way. But here’s the thing: we want to see results immediately. We expect that just by meditating or choosing to be more grateful, our lives will instantly transform. We think, “I’ll stop fighting with my family, I’ll be nicer to my boss, and I’ll be rewarded right away. I want a raise now! I want the perfect relationship now! I want a new car now!”

But, my loves, the universe doesn’t work like that. You can’t expect everything to fall into place overnight just because you adopt a new mindset or philosophy.

Here’s my tip: Life begins to align beautifully when, after calming your mind daily, you plant positive seeds every single day. Stop speaking poorly of others, and most importantly, give thanks—every day! That’s when things really start to flow.

This includes thanking your family, your boss, your partner, your friends, and even yourself! Appreciate yourself for being a beautiful person inside and out. If you’re reading this, it’s because you crave love and success in every aspect of life—whether in love, work, health, family, or friendships.

So, I wish you a year full of gratitude! There is so much in life to be thankful for. Thank you for being here with me for another year! My heart is sending you all love and positive energy. A thousand kisses!

Oh, and one last tip: an organized home and workspace make life flow so much better. This is the perfect time of year to clear out what no longer serves you, and I guarantee you’ll find plenty to donate. Don’t give up, keep moving forward!