There is a story of an old wise woman named Suko who lived in Japan and was known for her great joy. One day a man came to visit her and said, "I am very self-centered and unhappy most of the time. Please tell me how to become joyous." Suko replied, "Whatever happens to you, simply say to the universe, 'Thank you; thank you for everything. I have no complaints whatsoever.' " She told him to come back in a year and report to her his progress.
The man left and one year later returned to Suko. He reported that he had been doing what she had told him. He had been saying "thank you" for everything. But, alas, he said he was still self-absorbed and miserable. "Now what?" he asked.
And Suko said, "Again say, 'Thank you. Thank you for all of it. I have no complaints whatsoever.'" It is said that the man realized in that moment the true power of gratitude, that there was no exception to what one can be thankful for, and that even his misery could be seen with appreciation. It had worn down his resistance, humbled him, and brought him to the wise woman. As the story goes, he entered into a stream of everlasting joy.
— Catherine Ingram, Passionate Presence