What are you grateful for?

Joel Osteen said, “When you’re grateful, that allows God to do great things in your life.” Learning to be grateful every moment of our life opens us to more blessings. Accepting, at the same time welcoming, with a positive attitude every second that comes our way makes us realize that whatever we have is all that we need to make us happy. Having a grateful heart doesn’t come naturally. It needs time and practice but all you have to do is start it and it becomes a habit — and the feeling of happiness is not far behind.

Joanna Ampil, singer/actress

I’m grateful to the people who ripped me off and were cruel to me in the past because they taught me some of the most important lessons in life.

Annette Coronel, marketing and PR consultant

I am grateful to finally meet the man who’s skilled in understanding things on an abstract or conceptual level. He has a flair for the intangible, intellectual, theoretical approach to life.

Bong Daza, businessman

I’m grateful to my parents, brother and sisters for bearing with me, especially to my mom who bore me!

Agoo Bengzon, contributing editor, Preview magazine

I am grateful for having been born to a family that I love and am proud to be a part of, and I am grateful for having the best husband (Andy) and two sons a woman could ever wish for.

Gina Ibay Sunico, occupational therapist, Capistrano Unified School District, Orange County, California

I am grateful to Our Lord for the strength He gives me each day to face trials and adversities, and for the love my husband Joey and our five children give me, which lifts my spirit. I am also grateful for the support and unconditional love of my in-laws (Rene and Lynn Sunico) and my mom (Nena Ibay).

Jinky Pacquiao, wife of Manny Pacquiao

I am grateful for my family — my husband, children, my parents, brothers and sister for always being there for me. They’re always beside me and I am grateful for their unconditional love. I’m grateful for all the blessings that God has given me, not just the blessings but also for the ones that I lost. I learned from Mass last Sunday that we should be grateful not just for the blessings but also for the things that we have lost because a grateful heart is a peaceful heart.

Amanda R. Carpo, owner, Kittelson & Carpo Consulting/partner, Carpo Law

I am grateful for my friends and family whom I can trust and who allow me to be independent. Knowing they are there to catch my every fall allows me to be a little fearless and make the mistakes I need to make. I am grateful for clean air, blue skies, open roads and oceans. Luckily, I am involved in a sport (triathlon) that brings me straight to those things.

Margarita Fores, restaurateur/flower lover

I am grateful for the chance to continue to share my passion, which is to make life and living more beautiful, and more delicious for others. I am grateful to those who continue to give me the inspiration, support, and strength to continue to do so, even after 25 years — my son Amado, my loved ones, my family and friends, and my amazing staff.