This year, gratitude hit my innermost core. When I saw all the global challenges, such as wars, famine, political divides, and devastating weather, I became ever-mindful and grateful for my own safe housing, ample food to eat, meaningful work, good health, and having loved ones around me.

Gratitude has become an essential part of who I am. I encourage you to embrace it, too, starting this holiday season and continuing for life. Practicing gratitude positively impacts mental and physical health. Focusing on what you have instead of what’s missing nurtures a mindset of healthy abundance. This shift leads to greater well-being and less negativity. But gratitude isn’t just personal; it can and will create a kinder, more connected world…

1. It fosters a culture of kindness. When you acknowledge others’ goodness, you inspire them to reciprocate with kindness. This creates a ripple effect, thereby spreading generosity. So make saying “please” and “thank you” habitual. At work, thanking colleagues strengthens relationships and inspires a cycle of kindness.
2. It promotes cooperation over competition. Gratitude encourages collaboration. Appreciating others’ contributions creates an atmosphere of mutual support, which is essential in both personal and professional relationships. So offer genuine praise, such as saying, “Great job!” Acknowledge a team’s strengths to create better cooperation and shared success at work.
3. It reduces conflict and builds peace. Gratitude helps reduce envy and resentment, fosters empathy, and eases conflicts. It also builds trust, strengthening bonds in families, communities, and nations. So, focus on the positives and practice hopefulness. Expressing gratitude for shared goals can bridge differences and promote peace at work.
4. It enhances global compassion. When you are grateful for your blessings, you are more likely to help those in need. Gratitude encourages empathy and charitable acts, such as contributing to social justice and reducing suffering. This holiday season, give time or money to those less fortunate. Even gratitude for your good health can lead you to support medical causes or volunteer.
5. It encourages environmental stewardship. Gratitude for nature inspires us to protect it. Recognizing the planet’s beauty and resources motivates eco-friendly choices. Educate yourself about environmental issues and take action. Practice gratitude by respecting public parks and advocating for sustainability.
6. It supports mental health on a global scale. Gratitude can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Collectively practicing gratitude can help reduce mental health stigma and foster resilient communities. All global mental health movements emphasize gratitude as a tool for your well-being. You’ve probably heard about the benefits of having a gratitude journal. Just do it! Don’t feel pressured to write daily; use a designated notebook and jot down your thoughts whenever you feel inspired. The more you do it, the more you’ll enjoy making it a daily habit. Treat yourself to a holiday gift by purchasing a nice notebook to keep nearby.
7. It promotes global unity. Gratitude helps us recognize our shared humanity. In times of crisis, collective expressions of gratitude encourage cooperation and solidarity. It is often said, “It takes a village…” In our quest for a kinder world, always show your humanity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, gratitude for healthcare workers united people worldwide.
8. It develops friendships:  This month, express your gratitude by contacting people through telephone, email, or regular letters. I aim to contact two people per week, which amounts to about eight people (notice the significance of eight?). Please join me.

   Keep your message short, sweet, and positive by expressing your gratitude for having this person in your life. I promise that it will feel good to connect. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. We all have heard the stories of regret for not doing something sooner. The holidays are the perfect reason to make a lasting impact.