September 21 is World Gratitude Day! I didn’t know that there was a specific day dedicated to recognizing the importance of gestures of thanks and appreciation until very recently. However, I love the idea of this day because it reminds us to take a step back from our busy lives, which can understandably overwhelm us, and appreciate what is wonderful in our lives. I believe that gratitude can be great for our overall health—physically, mentally, emotionally—because of how it can put things into perspective. Although there are perhaps things that are not working out in the way I wished they would, there are many other things that I can be grateful for.

What makes gratitude great? For me:

1. Gratitude can turn what I currently have into enough. It has gotten me through some of my own darkest times.

2. The more grateful I am, the happier I become.

3. It keeps me humble, knowing that I have so much to be thankful for.

4. Showing gratitude toward others makes them feel appreciated. Being shown appreciation makes the biggest difference and gives people strength, too!

When life gets stressful, it may be worth taking a step back, taking a breath, and thinking about the things that you are grateful for. You might find yourself being able to borrow some strength from past experiences that you are grateful to have gotten through and recognize the stronger person you have become. Maybe you’ll find hope in things that you are grateful for as well as for things to come.

Take time today to show appreciation to those who sacrifice their time for you – this could be your family, friends, teachers, or coaches! Don’t forget to take time to appreciate the little things in life. This can be something as small as great weather, something delicious you ate, quality time with family or friends, and having fun playing a sport. Most importantly, don’t forget to appreciate yourself as well. Remind yourself of things that you’re proud of and how much you have grown.

I hope everyone has the most wonderful World Gratitude Day!

I appreciate you!

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