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I'll bet you've been told to be thankful for what you have, especially when something awful happens. Research has shown that being thankful is a beneficial habit; and keeping a gratitude journal is an increasingly popular tool being used by those seeking to improve themselves by showing gratitude.
 
                    Five reasons to keep a gratitude journal are:

There are 5 reasons listed below but each is numbered as "1" because I believe they are equally important but also because I was having technical difficulties and could not number them each "1-5" appropriately; but I'm sure you get the gist. :-)
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1. Changing Thought Patterns: studies have shown a strong mind-body connection. When we are feeling stressed, anxious or another negative emotion it can have a negative effect on our physical health. By considering events or people you are thankful for you are creating positive thoughts and feelings which will help reduce stress levels. It will also remind you that whatever happens to you there is always something to feel thankful for.

 
Your commitment to your gratitude journal refocuses your mind on positive events, conversations and relationships. This enables you to see more than just those negative ones that tend to fill your mind and dominate your thoughts when they happen.
 
Another way your thought patterns will change is that you will find that you start pushing boundaries and removing limiting beliefs. This will happen as you not only keep your gratitude journal but also review it. You will find that your mind opens to new possibilities and you gain in self-confidence and knowledge.

1. Improve Your Health: the fact that there is a mind-body connection means that by focusing on positive thoughts and feelings in your gratitude journal you are helping to improve your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that regular gratitude journaling can: 

• Relieve stress and anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Gain perspective

1. Create Optimism: some days it's just too hard to see the wood for the trees. You'll find yourself focusing on something that has upset you and that troublesome thought will nag away at you constantly. Taking some time to sit quietly and think about something you are grateful for will help reduce the negative thoughts and feelings and replace them with positive ones.

1. Improved Sleep: regardless of whether you feel the need for eight hours sleep each night your body and mind do require a regular amount of sleep each night for optimal mental and physical health. Keeping a gratitude journal is fun, calming and a positive activity that promotes happy thoughts and feelings. By replacing worry and stress, you can sleep more peacefully and have happier dreams.

1. It's Fun: keeping a gratitude journal should be a fun enjoyable experience; something you look forward to. It doesn't matter whether you use a plain notebook or a fancy one, you can jazz it up by using different color pens or pencils, or even decorating the pages.

 
If you want to create a positive change in yourself and your life, then keeping a gratitude journal may be just be the tool you are looking for. It's cheap, easy and very beneficial to your physical and mental health.

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Thanksgiving has now passed but is it the only time that you express your gratitude? You have the luxury of living your joyous life every single day of the year. So make it a point to recognize your blessings and remind yourself that showing gratitude for all you already have only does more to attract further blessings into your life.
 
Here are five ways that showing gratitude attracts more abundance into your life:
 

1. You'll be thankful for the little things. When you're in a positive mindset, you'll learn to appreciate the little things. The sweetest blessings come in the smallest forms. Once you learn to love, recognize, and be thankful for the little things in life, your quality of life will increase because you'll be aware of how fortunate you really are.

 

• Your daughter giving you a drawing that says, "Number one mom!" or your husband picking up your favorite flavor of ice cream are things that you should be thankful for. Your daughter thinks you're a rock star and you have a considerate spouse. How awesome!

 

1. You'll develop impeccable radar. If you often reflect on the fortunate events in your life, you'll be able to spot a good opportunity a mile away. For example, you'll be able to smell a promotion in the works or an opportunity to bring your family closer.

 

• Actively seeking new opportunities to increase your personal quality of life and that of the ones nearest and dearest to your heart will fill your heart with accomplishment.

 

1. Giving to the less fortunate. When you're thankful for the bed you sleep in at night, the roof shielding your family from the cold, the family on your couch and the food on your plates, you're well aware of how fortunate you are. As a result, you're more likely to jump at the opportunity to help someone in a worse position.

 

• The smallest efforts from you could make a world of a difference in the life of another. Helping your neighbor craft his resume will help him provide for his family. Donating your used clothing will help keep the homeless warm. And taking part in a walk for breast cancer may give someone else the opportunity to live another day.
  
  
• When you help others, you help yourself in many ways.

 

1. You'll reach higher. Your grateful ways are a blessing. You appreciate life more intensely when you're grateful. You also see each day as another chance to bring more joy to your reality, lifestyle, and future.

 

• It's perfectly normal to be grateful for what you have, yet often desire to reach for more. Constantly improving your life is a good thing for you and your family.

 

1. Taking others into consideration. When you're satisfied with your life and feel genuinely happy, you tend to treat others very kindly. You'll be more likely to hold the door open at the mall for a stranger or pick up a fallen cane for an elderly man. Your own happiness is magnified when you help bring joy to others.

 
Your life begins to take a turn for the better when you keep in mind how fortunate you really are. The smallest details can boost your spirits. The misfortune of others will prompt you to help them seek support, and life just begins to look a little brighter.
 
Starting today, take your positive mindset to new heights and make every day a personal day of thanksgiving!