Remember the colorful paper turkey’s we used to make in school around this time of year? On each red, yellow, or orange feather, we would write something we were grateful for. Mine often mentioned my family, friends, food, and toys, probably similar to yours. I wonder if my teachers had any idea of the benefits of writing down the things we are grateful for. Did they know that gratitude journaling can increase productivity, happiness and better health? Did they know that gratitude journaling can stimulate the prefrontal cortex to lead to better reasoning and decision making? Did they know that gratitude journaling can shift our minds away from “I” and “me” to “we” and thus relieve anxiety? Did they know that gratitude journaling can decrease feelings of depression and sadness? Did they know that gratitude journaling can make us happier – even if our circumstances have not changed? So many…
