Every sunrise embodies a simple but powerful message for all of us: It's a brand new day, a chance to start anew, and a beautiful reminder to honour the journey we're on. My friends, in the fast-paced world that we live in, we often forget to pause and reflect on how far we've come, and instead, we focus on the daunting miles ahead. But today, let's take a moment to focus on the importance of gratitude for the present moment, appreciating all that we have and realizing that we are exactly where we need to be in our journey.

Let me share a personal story. A while ago, I was fixated on trying to better myself and my circumstances. Chasing after what I wanted was exhilarating, yes, but it also equipped me with a certain pair of glasses, ones that only saw inadequacies and things I yet had to achieve. One day, when I was on the edge of exhaustion, a dear friend reminded me, “Tim Han, look how far you've come!”. It wasn't until then that I realized that I had been running a race without ever looking back at the starting point.

In our pursuit of success, which isn't wrong in itself, we often neglect to value the precious journey, each step we've taken, and the growth we've experienced. That's when gratitude becomes essential. It's a tool that helps us keep our spirits up, turning our focus on the present — the ups, the downs, and all the in-betweens. It tells a story of resilience, perseverance, and the remarkable human spirit that keeps going no matter what.

Indeed, it's natural to aspire to climb higher rungs on the ladder of life. Yet, as we climb, we must remember that each step upwards is possible only because of the previous steps we've firmly stood on. Be it your first job, your first heartbreak, your first failure, or even your first success — all of these contributed to your journey. Because this is what life is, an ongoing process, an ebb and flow where every experience is interconnected and each moment is as worthy as the next.

Think back to a moment of triumph you've felt, or perhaps a moment of sorrow? Didn't they both play a role in shaping the person you are today? Just like the kunai-clad hands of a sculptor carving a masterpiece, life, too, chips at us, shaping us into the person we eventually become. No triumph is without struggle, and no joy lacks tears — they co-exist, fusing to create the complex and beautiful humans we are.

So, my friend, look around you and within you. Be gentle with yourself. Recognize and acknowledge each step you've taken and each hurdle you've crossed because that's your personal Success Inside-r story. You're here, reading these words, seizing this day, and no matter where you are on your journey, that's something to celebrate!

Start by saying to yourself, “I've made it this far and I’m proud of it.” And then spread this powerful affirmation outward, acknowledge the people, the opportunities, the twists and turns that accompanied your voyage, and express your heartfelt gratitude for all that was and all that is. This is the essence of the LMA course — helping you ignite a mindset of appreciation and helping you leverage that into your path of success.

Keep in mind that gratitude isn't a mere one-off sentiment but a consistent practice. Even neuroscience proves that regular practice of gratitude physically alters your brain's structure to make you happier and more content. And don't we all aspire to that state of happiness?

So, today, take a minute to answer this: What are you profoundly grateful for in your journey so far? There is no right or wrong answer, for each moment cherished, each lesson learned, and every trial overcome, they are all pieces of our colorful mosaic of life.

Remember, gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves and spend without fear of bankruptcy. So, celebrate your journey, honor your growth, practice heartfelt gratitude, and you will blaze a trail that will keep you grounded, while pushing you to reach for the stars.