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5 Ways to Cultivate Gratitude and Create Happiness


Happiness is directly tied to Gratitude.

1. Think of a person who has played a big role in your life. It may be a teacher, friend, parent, or your significant other. Spend a few minutes reflecting on the ways they have helped you, taught you, and shown kindness in the last week. Is it possible for you to reach out to them right now? Can you send a text or email? Even better, could you write a handwritten note to tell them how you feel and how they have helped? Be specific. 

2. Take a walk in nature.  Feel the cold air and snow falling on your head. Focus on feeling grateful for the fresh air and water. Consider natural beauty, the peace that the ocean, lakes, or mountains give you, or even the shade of a tree.

3. Think of someone in your life who helps you on a daily or weekly basis: a partner, parent, best friend, pet, boss, teacher, cleaner, or babysitter. Spend a week observing and focusing on all the different ways in which they make your life happier or more comfortable. Make a plan to do something special for them to show your appreciation.  

4. As you sit down to dinner at night, think about the people who helped this food get on your table. This may include the farmer who grew the food, the workers who picked the crops, the drivers who transported it, the person who earned money to pay for the food, and so on.  It may also include your employer or clients, that allow you to live the life you have.

5. Think about living a life that cultivates more daily gratitude. Acts of Service will help you create empathy and connection to others. Don't overuse water or electricity, recycle, buy sustainable products, donate to a charity, volunteer to help the needy, work in an animal shelter, or clean up a natural area. Get involved in your community.