Express Your Gratitude

It’s strange how powerful gratitude us. Just the act of remembering what you’re thankful for, and expressing it to someone, makes you AND them a happier person. It’s not just a little tiny bit of happiness either. Amazingly, the research shows that small acts of gratitude change your mindset to see the world more positively, to be less likely to feel depressed, and to have better relationships. Gratitude is a whole way of seeing life. It doesn’t mean you ignore the bad stuff, just that you balance that out with a clear view of the good stuff too.

Getting Started:

1. Notice. Start by noticing the good things happening around you, even the tiny. The fact that you have a comfortable and safe room in which to read this; the fact that your belly has food in it that someone made or bought; the fact that your friend cares about you and showed it; and on and on.

2. Record. Challenge yourself to notice one person, experience, or object every day that you are grateful for. Then write it down in a journal, a blog, or some other place you can look back on. Later you can challenge yourself to increase that, writing down 3 things, even 5 things in one day.

3. Express. As you train your brain to see the good in the world, notice if a certain person or group makes you feel especially deep gratitude. Perhaps someone who has gone above and beyond to help you, or who you feel deep trust toward. Then: tell that person! Gratitude is even more powerful when expressed. It could be in a note or in person. You may be amazed how good the recipient feels, and how good it feels to share it.

   The more you do this, the stronger your gratitude muscle will be, the more positive your community will be, and the more you’ll see the good in life. Gratitude is both a gift to our community, lifting each person up, and a gift to yourself, creating a balanced, happier view of life.