You may have heard people thank others for their kindness or express appreciation, but what is gratitude really?
Gratitude is the feeling of appreciation for what you have. It's not just about saying "thank you" when someone does something nice—it's also about appreciating all that we have and who loves us, even on days where nothing good happens at all.
Why is gratitude so important? Because research has found that it's linked to many positive outcomes including greater happiness and improved health.
Here are 10 things that we could consider to being grateful for.
1. Good Health
- Good health
- The ability to move and think
- To feel and experience
- Living a life in which you can be alive, healthy, and happy
2. Friends and Family
- The people we love and who love us
- Who support and encourage us.
3. Nature
- The beauty of the world around us.
- The sun, moon and stars.
- Plants and animals that make life on Earth possible.
4. Our Passions and Talents
We all have things that bring us joy, and we should be grateful for them. They can be anything from a hobby to a career, but they're the things that help us grow as people by giving us purpose and fulfilment in life.
5. A Place to Live
The home that shelters us, the roof over our heads, and the safety and security it provides are all things we should be grateful for every day.
6. A Job
A job is the opportunity to work and earn a living, but it's also so much more than that. A job can be a source of pride, self-worth and productivity in our lives--a way for us to contribute something meaningful in our community or society as a whole.
7. Learning and Education
Learning is a lifelong process, and we should be grateful for the knowledge and skills we gain through our education. The ability to think and reason, to be informed and empowered are all important aspects of learning that help us lead better lives.
8. Opportunities
- The chance to try new things.
- The chance to take risks and experience life to the fullest.
9. Technology
Technology has made our lives easier, faster and more efficient. It's also given us the ability to connect with people all over the world in ways that were previously impossible.
10. Challenges
Challenges are the obstacles that help us to grow, become stronger and discover our true potential. They are opportunities for us to learn something new about ourselves. When we face challenges, it is important not to give up easily but rather keep trying until we succeed.
Be grateful for these small things. They are the little pieces of your life, that come together to create the bigger picture of your existence. And finding these things to be grateful for, is a known to be highly beneficial for your mental health and general well-being.
