The Art of the Thank You 2: Why Write It???

Good to see you back! 
So let's review some surprising statistics today about people who carry gratitude in their hearts daily. 

First let's define gratitude

grat·i·tude

/ˈgratəˌt(y)o͞od/

Noun The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Synonyms gratefulness - thankfulness - thanks - appreciation Okay, now that we are all on the same page of the dictionary let's see what the psychologist say about the subject.  In a quick search, I found references to spiritual contentment, positive brain function, general goodwill to others, and even weight loss (no joke - take a deep breath and say a thanks with every bite of that hot dog, and you may lose some weight, or at least not feel guilty about eating a questionable food substance). To quote Psychology Today article; "Studies show that gratitude not only can be deliberately cultivated but can increase levels of well-being and happiness among those who do cultivate it. In addition, grateful thinking—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased levels of energy, optimism, and empathy." Things that make you go hmmm (and we are not referring to C&C Music Factory here).  I suspect if you try it, you will feel better!  But too much of a good thing is not a better thing, think of the post Halloween all-you-can-eat candy buffet and that sick feeling in your stomach.  Psychology Today's Gratitude Don'ts When I first started to try to change my mental outlook on life, I would try to think of 5 things each night that I was truly thankful for.  Sometimes it was people, where I was in life, the natural word, or just something that made me smile.  At first it was hard, but now I can zip off a list and focus in on the important things in life.  It takes time and every day I work to be positive.  It's too easy to blame and point fingers these days.  I have that issue same as all the rest, but I realize it, and that is the crux for change. -b