Have you ever kept a gratitude journal or tracked things that you were thankful for?  Studies have shown that being aware and focusing on what we are grateful for impacts our level of happiness.  It’s simple to do.  Give it a try.

Gratitude journal or conversations

Start a gratitude journal or daily list.  Capture what 3 things you were grateful for today.

If you don’t like to write, start a dinner ritual with your family and share what you liked best about your day and what you are grateful for.

Or if you’re on the go at dinnertime ask your kids or spouse before they go to bed.  This simple exercise may help others to become aware of what they appreciate and can strengthen relationships.

Research has shown that this practice can shift perspective and help you to focus on the good things happening in your life.

“Chance Favors the Prepared Mind.” Louis Pasteur

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”  Robert Schuller

“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” William Arthur Ward

“Follow your instincts. That’s where true wisdom manifests itself.” Oprah Winfrey

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” Dr. Brene Brown

“The women whom I love admire for their strength and grace did not get that way because shit worked out. They got that way because shit went wrong, and they handled it. They handled it in a thousand different ways on thousand different days, but they handled it. These women are my superheroes.” Elizabeth Gilbert

“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.” Dr. Brene Brown

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more & become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

“It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Embrace the glorious mess that you are.” Elizabeth Gilbert

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” John F. Kennedy

“If you aren’t in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.” Dr. Brene Brown

“Well Behaved women rarely make history.” Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

“You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety.” Abraham Maslow

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” Katharine Hepburn