Sometimes we forget all of the things we have to be thankful for. Things like good health, a roof over our heads, quality food, etc.  Practicing gratitude is good for our relationships and ourselves. I’ve been reminding myself of all I have to be thankful for through daily journaling and taking the time to appreciate what others do for me.

I have so much to be grateful for. I have a loving hubby, a good home, a job that I enjoy, relatively good health, wonderful family and friends, and more. My husband does so much for me–I have to remind myself that he doesn’t have to do the things he does. He serves me so willingly that I sometimes forget to thank him. So I’ve been trying to be more aware and be more vocal, so he never feels under appreciated.

While this has its benefits for the people we express our appreciation for, it has its benefits for us, as well.

1. It makes us happier.
2. Expressing gratitude improves relationships.
3. There is a positive correlation between gratitude and optimism.
4. You may even experience improved self-esteem.
5. It enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
6. Experiencing gratitude is good for your physical and mental health.
7. Gratitude is good for your marriage. 🙂
8. And there are so many more benefits!

It makes sense that appreciating others and what you have would make you a happier, healthier, well-liked person with better relationships, lower levels of stress, less jealousy, etc. A person who appreciates what they have is better off than one who does not. “Love the one you’re with” and all that. I know a lot of people who have been blessed with a good life and don’t appreciate it. Life is what you make of it, after all.

More reading:

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude from Psychology Today

The 31 Benefits of Gratitude You Didn’t Know About: How Gratitude Can Change Your Life by Happier Human