“What are you thankful for” is a common question we hear during this time of year, but why limit it to the holiday season? There was a time when I consistently would think, write, or say aloud what I was grateful for either when I woke up or before going to bed. Taking a minute out of my day to reflect on all I have to be thankful for actually helped me gain perspective and maintain a sense of peace. Interestingly, I fell out of this routine when I stopped physically going to school, and is something, now more than ever, that I need to reintegrate into my day. When my mom and I became certified in the Science of Happiness, we learned there’s a proven increase in happiness if we regularly express gratitude, especially if we share that gratitude with others. Like gift giving, we receive a greater happiness boost if we directly tell others how much we appreciate them compared to indirectly delivering a message or not telling them at all, an area I aim to improve upon. We should strive to recognize and also acknowledge all that we can be grateful for on a regular basis rather than limiting it to special occasions. Nurture a regular attitude of gratitude by starting and/or ending your day by recording a few things you’re thankful for or simply taking a moment of silence to reflect on what you appreciate the most.
How often do you intentionally think about the things you’re thankful for?