Grateful

As human beings, when we aren’t grateful for what we have, we aren’t capable of being happy.

This is not just some self-improvement mumbo-jumbo either.  It’s been scientifically proven.  For example, researchers in numerous positive psychology studies  have split study participants into two groups and instructed one group of study participants to reflect on the little things they are grateful for at the end of each day, while the other group just goes about their normal routines.  Then, after several weeks, both groups are interviewed, and it becomes clear that the first group enjoyed considerably greater life satisfaction than the other group during that time period.

Why does this happen?

The simplest explanation is that forcing ourselves to focus on thoughts and actions related to gratitude, regardless of circumstances, helps our brains develop positive emotions.  In one notable study, researchers asked participants to smile forcibly while thinking of something specific they’re grateful for.  They found that this consistently stimulated mental activity associated with positive feelings and emotions.