Just feeling grateful has benefits.

As a therapist friend of mine likes to say, the thing about feelings is to feel them. Long before we do anything at work or at home, we have to set our minds to it. Scientists are just beginning to measure the power of mindfulness. Once you have the right frame of mind, actions naturally begin to flow.

Negative mindsets create more negativity. If you are feeling self-pity, stuck, or angry, those feelings are more likely to reveal themselves as you go about your daily routine. You might find yourself being surly at a check out counter, pushing rudely in crowded spaces, or ignoring others. In return. others will feel the negativity and respond in kind. Your interactions with others are more likely to be short and unpleasant.

On the other hand, feeling grateful is a mindset that scientists have found starts a chain of beneficial events. You might be grateful when purchasing the things you need and find the cashier going out of their way to be pleasant. You might hold the door for someone or thank someone for holding a door for you, and get a smile in return. If you wake up feeling grateful for what you have instead of angry at what you don’t have, your day is simply likely to be better.

So when you wake up tomorrow and take your first sip of coffee or whatever you like to drink in the morning, consider it your cup of gratitude. Be grateful for the joy of simply drinking something in the morning, and let the feeling last all day and see if your day improves.

Check out My Gratitude Project. Don’t forget, there are prizes too!

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