“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ― Marcel Proust

Gratitude is my favorite “G” word. The benefits of practicing gratitude – not just at Thanksgiving but all year long – are nearly endless on both a personal and a professional level. People who practice gratitude in their daily lives report being happier, and there is growing evidence that practicing gratitude makes us healthier, too. Scientists at UC Berkeley report that practicing gratitude gives us:

  • ●Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure;
  • ●Higher levels of positive emotions;
  • ●More joy, optimism, and happiness;
  • ●Acting with more generosity and compassion;
  • ●Feeling less lonely and isolated.

UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier suggests focusing on who we’re grateful for rather than what to have a deeper impact.

Businesses that show genuine gratitude toward customers can deliver an enriched customer experience. And, showing gratitude to employees can improve engagement and retention, creating happy employees that result in happier customers. Researchers at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania conducted an experiment with fundraisers in which half were sent directly to the phones and the other half were given a pep talk by the leader who thanked them for their efforts. Over the week, the group who had received the message of gratitude raised 50% more funds.

I believe gratitude makes the world go round. In honor of this season of thankfulness, some of my favorite gratitude quotes:

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” ― Eckhart Tolle

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ― Maya Angelou

“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” ― Alphonse Karr

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” ― Voltaire