In my mind, one of the easiest & most powerful ways to transform our lives is through gratitude, and yet it seems that frequently, even for those who have been traveling the spiritual path, this is one area that is frequently neglected or overlooked entirely. Indeed, on several occasions I have interacted with authors who have published books in the self-help/spiritual genre and in situations where even a “lay” person would have expressed some form of appreciation, yet these folks expressed not even a superficial “Thank you” when receiving a gift (whether in physical form or otherwise).

I am not saying that anyone is obliged to express gratitude, or that gratitude should be expected when a person does something for another person, I am just saying that if a person who is receiving something from another has no time/energy/inclination to show appreciation for the thoughtful acts of another, then they are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to spread more kindness and cheer.

By expressing appreciation for the gifts that have been bestowed upon us from any source, we generate good feelings within us and these vibrations radiate outwards through the universe. Studies have even shown that not only do the participants of a kind act feel better, even people observing kind acts have an increase in serotonin levels (serotonin is considered a “feel” good hormone). The fact is that everyone who is witness to, and who is participating in, acts of kindness receives a benefit from the action; consequently, when we express our gratitude for what we have been given we are able to create a ripple of positive feelings that literally makes others feel good as well.

Regardless of who a person is, what socio-economic background they have or what demographic they fit into, having gratitude is something that ANYONE is capable of. This is a gift that is FREE and infinitely abundant and even if administered in massive doses there are no negative side-effects. Being miserly with kind words, by holding back your gratitude, nobody benefits.

Perhaps this is one of those instances where one of the most basic and simple ideas is the most difficult to apply; however, it is never too late to start, so why not make a commitment to yourself, challenge yourself, to express gratitude whenever you can. There is no requirement to have a specific number of times that you express gratitude, just consciously decide to express it whenever possible and in short-order you will find that it is contagious.

On that note, I will sign off here and say "Thank you" for taking the time to read this.