Gratitude is a feeling or attitude that acknowledges a benefit received or to be experienced. Studies show that gratitude can be deliberately cultivated and it can increase levels of wellbeing and happiness. Dr. Emmons, Professor of Psychology (University of California), in his book “Gratitude Works!” (2013), outlines some of the effects of the experience of gratitude:

• People are 25% happier if they keep gratitude journals
• Sleeping one-half hour more per evening
• Exercising 33% more each week
• Increased feeling of connectedness and improved relationships
• Increased energy, alertness and enthusiasm
• Success in achieving personal goals
• Better coping with stress
• Improved cardiac health
• Greater sense of purpose and resilience

Dr. Emmons suggests that writing down your blessings translates your thoughts into words, which allows you to see the meaning of events and create meaning in your life. How?

Here are some of his suggestions:

• Take 5 or ten minutes to write about three blessings you experienced, at least every other day
• Be specific and provide details on your entry
• Include any unexpected blessings that occurred
• Consider what you were dreading that did not happen
• Think about people to whom you are grateful
• It is ok to repeat a blessing day after day, but give details
• Journal about people who have helped others whom you care about
• Be grateful for the negative outcomes you avoided or prevented or turned in to something positive

Finally, I end with this inspiration from Alice Herz-Sommer, the oldest survivor of the holocaust:

“My mother taught me to learn, learn, learn – know, know, know – think, think, think.

I learned to be grateful for everything. I am thankful and happy every day”