Ole Henriksen - A master of gratitude - A book that should be under every Christmas tree
It's no secret that I absolutely love Ole Henriksen. His infectious positivity and warm energy is something we could all benefit from - if we all had just 5% of Ole's positivity, the world would be a better place. That is why I have also been eagerly waiting for the publication of his new book, Af hrydeten tak - Smil til lifet - even when it is difficult.
In the book, Ole shares his best advice for practicing gratitude every day. For Ole, the little word "thank you" is not just a polite phrase, but the key to a better life - both mentally and physically. He himself has lived with gratitude as a way of life for decades and has felt the transformation it has created in his body, mind and soul.
In the podcast with Jonathan Løw reveals Ole Henriksen, how gratitude can change our everyday life. As Ole himself says, it's about habits: smiling at yourself in the mirror, giving compliments and appreciating the little things. Life is a gift and it is up to us to make our dreams come true. He encourages us to write a gratitude journal, but if it doesn't come naturally to you, remind yourself of what you are grateful for when you e.g. driving home from work.
In the podcast, Ole Henriksen also talks about his childhood and the challenges that growing up in a small town in Jutland brought. He talks honestly about the challenges he faced, but also the experiences and values that growing up gave him. He reflects on the journey that took him from Jutland to Hollywood, where he started his clinic and created his success. At the same time, he expresses his deep love for Denmark and the many qualities the country offers.
As a big fan of Ole Henriksen, I have two of his earlier books in my office: Life is a gift and It must feel good. Both have been a source of inspiration in my life when life has been difficult at times.
Ole's new book is more relevant than ever before. In an age where we sit behind our screens and write harsh comments on social media or send hateful messages to public figures. Where we constantly grumble in the queue and let frustrations spill out onto the clerks, Ole reminds us that it is time to rediscover the smile and the small acts of kindness.
The book is also a loving backlash against the jante law that Ole grew up with. "Don't think you're anything." But Ole insists that we are all something. We are all special, and gratitude is a way to appreciate our own worth and that of others.
Research supports what Ole says: gratitude improves both mental and physical health, provides stronger immunity, lower blood pressure, better sleep and higher happiness. It is not just a feeling, but a practice that can transform our lives.
I myself took Ole Henriksen's advice to heart a long time ago. I remember praising people on my way and saying “thank you for the way you are.” I smile at the clerks in the supermarket and tell my children how much I appreciate them. I tell my boyfriend how grateful I am that he can handle me on my hard days.
Gratitude is not about big changes, but about appreciating the little things that make life better. Ole's new book is a reminder that life is a gift - and it's up to us to wrap it up with a smile.











