The Importance Of Gratitude
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Lifestyle

The Importance Of Gratitude

How often do you consciously acknowledge your gratitude?

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The Importance Of Gratitude
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Thanksgiving should not be the only time you express your gratitude! During my sophomore year of high school, my history teacher had us write down three things we were grateful for each day. I thought the idea was cute, but definitely did not understand the impact it would have on me at first. Acknowledging your gratitude inevitably promotes the creation of happiness within your life. For instance, it can improve your emotional state, as well as deepen your relationships. Personality-wise, those who express gratitude often tend to be less self-centered and more optimistic. For this reason, I strongly encourage you all to greet each day with a grateful heart. We live such busy lives - it’s very easy to go about every ordinary day without ever recognizing all the beauty they truly hold.

So here is my challenge to you: take a minute or two each day to think about or write down something you are grateful for in that moment. I have done this for the past five months in my own “Daily Gratitude Journal”. I have definitely noticed a naturally more positive attitude and altering perspective. My favorite entries include . . .

  1. The opportunity to spend an entire summer at camp surrounded by inspiring people who motivate me to become the best version of myself possible
  2. A strong support system
  3. Scones
  4. Exposure to different cultures and lifestyles
  5. People who challenge and therefore expand my own ways of thinking
  6. Parents who will drop anything to “come to my rescue” whenever I need it
  7. Small moments like eating a Chipotle burrito in the ocean under a cloudless sky
  8. The ability to find beauty in ordinary moments
  9. To live in such a naturally beautiful place
  10. Sunshine
  11. Boston trips
  12. Obstacles (aka opportunities of growth)
  13. Polite people
  14. Clear skies to stargaze
  15. The opportunity to share my passion for dance through teaching
  16. Grilled cheese
  17. People who make me feel comfortable/like I can be myself
  18. Creativity
  19. Nature Valley bars
  20. People who go out of their way to cheer up others
  21. To be alive
  22. Adaptability
  23. Such a strong camp family
  24. Meeting a wide variety of people
  25. My Daily Gratitude Journal
  26. Sleep
  27. Sunrises
  28. Sunsets
  29. Flexibility
  30. Health
  31. Silly humor
  32. Triangle Beach
  33. Relaxing with my family
  34. Naps on beaches
  35. New interests
  36. Sign language teachers
  37. The Hamilton soundtrack
  38. Generosity
  39. Lambert’s paninis
  40. Wachusett Mountain
  41. Staff wellness
  42. Imagination
  43. Willingness to learn and value differences
  44. The Mariners
  45. Chocolate milk
  46. Supportive, understanding, and encouraging professors
  47. Confidence
  48. Motivation
  49. Everything my parents have provided for me
  50. Respectful gentlemen
  51. Beautiful weather
  52. Comfy, fuzzy socks
  53. Dad jokes
  54. The kindness of strangers
  55. Tater tots
  56. City explorations
  57. My siblings
  58. Chemistry
  59. Thoughtful, dedicated teachers
  60. The fact that dance can bring people together
  61. Music
  62. Heartwarming Facebook videos
  63. My parents’ unconditional love
  64. Cat gifs
  65. WPI’s campus
  66. My hometown
  67. Chicken and broccoli alfredo
  68. My GoPro
  69. The app Houseparty
  70. Strawberry sensation smoothies
  71. Blue Hills
  72. The ability to sleep in
  73. Silly humor
  74. My quote book
  75. Hilliard’s chocolate candies
  76. Brilliant advice
  77. My home
  78. New England autumn scenery
  79. Cuddling
  80. The Office
  81. Natural talents
  82. Comfy clothing
  83. Bid Day
  84. Alpha Phi
  85. Moments of pure happiness
  86. The opportunity to write for The Odyssey
  87. Low-stress weeks
  88. My right to vote
  89. People who are able to find positivity in any situation
  90. Knowing every lyric to a song
  91. Show choir
  92. Soft blankets
  93. My freedom
  94. Vacations
  95. Impactful conversations
  96. Hiking
  97. Chicken nuggets
  98. Massachusetts’ North Shore
  99. Genuinity
  100. Education
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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