Gratitude means thanks and appreciation. It starts with noticing the goodness in one's life.
The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.
Here are some ways to foster gratitude:
•Keep a journal of or in some way note big and little joys of daily life.
•Write down "three good things"—identify three things that have gone well for you and identify the cause.
•Write thank-you notes to others.
•Think about people who have inspired you and what about them was most significant.
•Engage in "mental subtraction." Imagine what your life would be like if some positive event had not occurred.
