Today’s Greatitude

Psychologists from Yale found that gratitude is critical for happiness. They point to research that finds grateful people tend to be happier.

Gratitude is in the texts of all major religions, and philosophers have long opined about its importance.

Roman philosopher Cicero famously said gratitude “is not only the greatest, but is also the parent of all the other virtues.”

Gratitude is recognized as having two parts: first is an affirmation of goodness: People can learn to notice the gifts they have received. The second part is recognizing that the source of this goodness rests outside of oneself—that we often receive it from other people, and sometimes from a higher power, fate or the natural world.

Gratitude helps people realize that they wouldn’t be where they are without the help of others.

Integrating gratitude practices into daily life seems like the secret sauce for cultivating a positive and resilient mindset. And we’re grateful for that.