According to Dr. Robert Emmons, author of THANKS!: How The New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, mastering the art of appreciation can make things start to look up?way up.

AIM for the moon: Use this acronym as your shortcut to a grateful place:
Awareness – focus on something good you normally take for granted.
Interpretation – imagine how a specific “burden” might actually be a blessing instead.
Memory – remember people before you who have helped make your life easier.

Good fortune isn't written in the stars?it's in your notebook. Taking time every day to jot down some of the gifts in your life (people, pleasures, talents, etc), makes those things feel more tangible. Not into journaling? Get the same effect by exchanging an email with someone you love.

Every cloud has a silver lining. It's hard to feel fortunate when there's something happening that's, well, unfortunate. Instead of dwelling, tell yourself, “Yes, this is bad but at least I___” and fill in something you're still happy about.