The Key to Happiness = Gratitude

Do you know someone who is eternally optimistic?  Do you admire that trait?  The good news is that a positive attitude can be cultivated!  You too can choose to see the opportunities presented in the challenges life delivers and find the goodness in the most difficult of people!  It just takes practice!

Studies have shown that adopting an attitude of gratitude can help you to be more emotionally resilient, boost your mood and improve your general well-being... and there are many more added benefits.

Set a goal to practice gratitude every day for 30 days and see the benefits for yourself!  Not sure where to start?  Try one of the following:

• Share your gratitude - write a thank you note to someone and thank them for something kind that they have said or done or for the positive impact they have had on your life (and then send it or give it to them)
  
• Gratitude Journal - you can choose to write in it every morning and every night (just a few things that you appreciate or are blessed with), you may choose to write just one thing or 5 things each day.
  
• Compliment someone or something- compliment someone else each day, for example, "It's so nice and sunny today, don't you think?"
  
• Meditate - find a quiet space, close your eyes, take a few deep breathes in and focus on your chest / abdomen rising and falling with that breath.  Then bring your awareness to your heart and think of all the things you are thankful for.

Enjoy the benefits!  If you have other ways that you like to express gratitude, please share them with us.