2 minute read
The Importance of Gratitude
by Chris Reeder
The importance of gratitude is one of the few things in life that almost everyone can agree upon. We drill this into our kids. We preach “ attitude of gratitude ” in our places of work. We even have a major upcoming holiday devoted to it.
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It can be really challenging to think of things you are grateful for when everything in the world seems to be going sideways. Countless studies show that for many people, finding a bit of thankfulness each day can actually increase happiness levels and decrease depression. By developing a grateful heart, we can feel more fulfilled and joyful each day. Some ways to be mindful and practice gratitude include:
Wake up every day and express to yourself what you are grateful for, go to bed reminding yourself how grateful you are for the day completed Tell whoever you are with at the end of the day the three things you are most grateful for, or journal them Acknowledge other people around you. Thank them for inspiring/helping/supporting you - oftentimes people wait their whole lives to be acknowledged (and yet it happens far too infrequently)!
An Attitude of Gratitude is a regular habit to express appreciation for all different parts of life, no matter how small.
The intrinsic well of gratitude within each of us is like the love for a child- it never runs out and there is always more to give, it doesn ’t cost anything and does not diminish your life force.
-Dalai Lama
Thankfully, gratitude isn ’t something we have to figure out on our own. It’ s been the subject of many wise words over the years. The following list includes some of my favorite quotes about being thankful.
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude. ” Winnie-the-Pooh (A.A. Milne)
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. ” Margaret Cousins
If you liked these quotes about gratitude, be sure to share them with others – on Thanksgiving or any other time of year. Also we hope you ’ll love sharing some of our notes and quotes from fellow Toscana residents, included on page 3 We ’ re pretty sure people thank you.
