The Power of Gratitude

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others." - Marcus Tullius Cicero

It is known that people who practice being grateful show significantly higher levels of happiness and psychological well-being. Research shows that they are often less depressed, less anxious, less stressed, and report having fewer symptoms of physical pain.

Gratitude unshackles us from toxic emotions as writing, disclosing or simply acknowledging gratitude for what one has and what one experiences make it considerably harder for one to ruminate on one's negative experiences.

It has been shown to increase activity in the pre-frontal cortex which indicates that simply expressing gratitude may have lasting health benefits in training the brain to become more sensitive to gratitude - by boosting serotonin and activating the brain stem to produce dopamine which is the brain's pleasure chemical - leading to increased health over time. Cultivating contentment through appreciation has a direct impact on our happiness, inner peace and joy.

And so, it's the simplicity of giving thanks. To a new breath, a new day and a new opportunity to appreciate.