The Power of Gratitude

It seems like such a "no brainer". Our mothers hounded us for years about it and those of us that are parents have done the same to our kids. I'm talking about giving gratitude also known as giving thanks! Our mothers would say "tell Aunt Mabel thank you for the nice gift" (whether we thought that hideous blouse was nice or not). We smiled thanked Aunt Mabel and she smiled back at us. Later, she may have even given us an extra cookie at dessert time or asked us to help her serve the ice cream and ended up giving us the biggest scoop. At an early age most of us learned that saying thank you has its rewards. Well now Deborah Norville has written a book delving into actual scientific research that shows that people that express gratitude have a more enjoyable existence. I heard her speak last night and I will admit that I was skeptical. My first thought was "oh she must need some extra money so she cranked out this book". Regardless of her financial status I think she has a great message. Say thank you, people! Be grateful! Stop and look beyond your own front yard and see that we all have so much in this world to be thankful for despite it's often times pitiful state. Let's be grateful - express that gratitude and help to put a smile on someone else's face! I'm starting right now. Here are 5 things I am grateful for at this very minute:

1. I have a wonderful family that loves me and allows me to be as goofy as I like.

2. I am healthy and actually enjoy exercising.

3. I have friends that support me emotionally and will lend a hand at a moment's notice.

4. I love my job and the people I work with.

5. I live in the best city in America!

I am going to continue my "Gratitude Journal" privately but use the nuggets I will leave in there on a daily basis to continually remind me how much I truly have to be grate about.