grat·i·tude - noun the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Paying attention to what we are thankful for to the degree of feeling kinder and more compassionate toward the world at large brings endless benefits. When we routinely take time to notice and reflect upon the things, we're thankful for, we experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.
Feeling grateful starts with an acknowledgement that life is good and rewarding. Waking in the morning and repeating, “Enough is a feast,” is a good place to start. This bountiful emotion that life is abundant can motivate us to make positive choices during the day. Focusing on one’s blessings feeds the brain’s reward system and ups mood and feelings of pleasure. The best way to reap the benefits of gratitude is to notice new things you’re grateful for every day.
And at the end of the day take a few moments to say one thing you are grateful for happening today. Remembering these precious experiences no matter the impact before retiring for the night will activate calm and serenity. The individual impact of any one piece of gratitude is small, yet the cumulative effect can change your world…change our world in peaceful appreciation.