When things are tough, it’s hard to be grateful. The dark cloud of pessimism looms over you and puts a shadow over everything you see. I know it can be hard to focus on anything else besides what’s going wrong.

However, gratitude is one of the essential keys to staying happy and inspired in your daily life. When you make a point to find small things to be thankful for, it’s like a thousand little candles that, altogether, can light the darkness.

Pastor Joel Osteen is such an encouragement to millions of people all around the world. Here’s a quick nugget of wisdom from him about gratitude.