Throughout research into positive psychology, practising gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with finding a greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, appreciate good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. According to studies, the more that participants showed their gratitude by consciously thinking about and writing what they were grateful for, the more likely they were to report happy emotions.

When we practice gratitude, starting general is good; but focusing on specifics is even better. Instead of repeating broad sweeping statements like gratitude for home, health and family, pay attention to all the little things. You can notice and be grateful for all kinds of small things each day, a great coffee, a beautiful flower in your garden, a clean kitchen, the sunshine, a funny joke, a smile from a stranger – taking note of the small things helps us to be more present in our day, every day, and helps us realise how many things we have that we can be truly grateful for. 

We can express our gratitude by writing it down/ keeping a gratitude journal, we can pray and thank God for all the good things we have, we can simply think about and focus on those things we are grateful for in each moment.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)