Why Gratitude?
Gratitude is a pretty simple concept but is something that many people find hard to practice. Being grateful requires simply noticing something good in your life and responding with thanks. Noticing more good things, feeling gratitude for them, and thanking the people who made those good things possible builds positivity and happiness in both the grateful person and the thanked people.
This creates a spreading circle of gratitude and kindness. Because learning to be grateful requires practice, UTO provides materials and creates opportunities for anyone to begin or deepen a gratitude practice.
“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
Why is practicing gratitude important?
Evidence-based research has suggested that gratitude:
1. Drives out toxic emotions such as anger and envy
2. Reduces stress and increases relaxation
3. Promotes resistance to common illnesses
4. Increases self-esteem, willpower, and creativity
5. Deepens relationships and spirituality
6. Improves athletic and academic performance
7. It increases generosity—grateful people give more of their time, talent, and treasure to their communities
Let's Practice Gratitude!
Write a Letter
Feeling extra grateful for someone today? Write them a letter and let them know.
Go for a Gratitude Walk
Take a walk. Notice the beauty around you and within you. Give thanks for what you see and how you feel.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Write down 3 things you’re grateful for every day.
