Gratitude at Its Best

Gratitude at its best is an attitude that focuses on the good in one's life. Whether it is a day filled with friends and family, or technical difficulties in work, it feels good to be grateful for everything in life. For example, when things are going well, people are nicer. Even when you have health issues, people are still friendly. Life is generally easier when you feel grateful for what you have in life.

It takes patience to find the gratitude in our lives. Brian Tracy and Brene Brown have both encouraged us to look for the good in every situation. Gratitude nurtures our soul. Epictetus once said that "our deepest craving is to be appreciated."

Studies have shown that gratitude is closely linked to mental health and happiness. People who take the time to list three things they are grateful for each night report higher well-being and decreased depression. They also reframe negative events and focus on the good. A person who lives in gratitude avoids wrinkles and crow's feet. It also makes one's relationships stronger. Gratitude at its best has multiple benefits.

The practice of gratitude does not require that one completely ignore negative experiences. Instead, it is a process that helps people turn losses and obstacles into opportunities. Instead of dwelling on negative events, grateful people learn how to transform negativity into channels for gratitude. This way, they can turn their life experience into a powerful source of happiness. Once you master the practice of gratitude at its best, you will feel happy and contented.

Gratitude is an emotion, a feeling, or a trait. It can become a habit. A person who expresses gratitude often is said to be grateful. An emotion is a state of mind, while a feeling is a state of mind. Feelings are momentary, while emotions are more complex. And thanksgiving is a way to enrich someone else's life as well. It is a selfless act that can be contagious.

Research shows that the positive effects of gratitude are long-lasting. When it comes to fighting depression, gratitude has been proven to be a powerful weapon against the disease. Just a single thought of appreciation has been associated with an increase of 10 percent in happiness and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Once gratitude becomes a habit, it can even prevent anxiety and depression. Positive thoughts are the fuel of happiness, and gratitude is the key to positive emotions.