Gratitude is as much a feeling as it is staring into the eyes of a loved one - a shared life.

Gratitude is a way to experience the world around us, which in turn defines how we live and what we do.

As Christians, we have the Eucharist - which means thanksgiving, as a weekly ritual and sacrament.

As Americans, we have Thanksgiving as a yearly family gathering.

If you are serious about your own happiness, you should also make it a daily practice.

It doesn’t matter what time of day: Morning quiet time, lunch break pause for contemplation, or an evening ritual with the family around the dinner table. As long as it’s daily - it will transform the way you see the world and lead you, quite literally, to a different future.

If you are in a tough spot and gratitude does not come naturally in this season of life - I recommend a daily journal. Writing is a powerful tool for contemplation and self-awareness.

Dr. Robert Emmons is the world’s leading expert on gratitude. According to his studies, here are some powerful benefits of a solid gratitude practice:

1. It allows you to celebrate the present and participate more in life. Positive emotions wear off quickly, and fanning them into flame through gratitude will superpower your day.

2. It blocks toxic negative emotions.  Anxiety, resentment, envy, and regret are all destructive to happiness. Gratitude is the antidote.

3. It makes you more stress-resistant. Being successful in life is directly correlated to navigating obstacles and stress.

4. It gives you a higher sense of self-worth.

Here’s the truth, no matter where you are in life, you are loved by God, and you are loved by people.

When you practice gratitude, you are merely experiencing this truth more fully, which in turn overflows into love for God and people.

To all my readers - may you practice gratitude daily, have an outstanding Thanksgiving!

If you are a high-achiever and are unhappy - I think you’ll enjoy a series of fireside chats I’m hosting that covers gratitude and other practices that can bridge that gap for you. Here’s a registration link for the next one happening on December 1st at Noon Central. There are only 25 spots available.