Today, I’d like to tell you about a really good habit to have. It’s good to have through the “up” times, but also, it’s extremely important when you go through the valleys of life, or if you are depressed, discouraged or frustrated.

That habit is gratitude. How is gratitude a “habit”?  By making it a daily practice. When you are grateful, studies show that you will experience better sleep, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a brighter mood.

Now, a little confession—sometimes I don’t always finish what I start. At first my level of energy for a new project is very high, but eventually it fades and I leave it behind. That’s why I was so excited to find a notepad in a gift shop titled, “Live Joy, Give Joy” by R. Nichols.

This little notepad encourages me to think of four things I’m grateful for today, write them down and tuck the note into a pocket. And then, during the day, I can take the note out of the pocket and read it.

Today, I wrote:

1.  I’m thankful that my son’s cancer is in remission. What a joy. What a wonderful gift that is.
2. I’m also thankful that my best friend and husband, Larry, still loves me.
3. I love walking in the woods, seeing the fall colors and hearing the crunch of leaves under my feet.
4. And I’m also grateful for that first cup of coffee that I have during the day.

And so, I will take this note out throughout the day to remind me of how much good is in my life right now. Here’s a really cool thing: research on gratitude also shows that people who feel grateful tend to give more, help more, and act with more kindness. Practicing gratitude means you get benefits, and so do others in your life! Your grateful heart will become a giving heart.

I will do this for the next 65 days. Because it takes approximately 65 days to establish a new habit, but after that, hopefully this will be a habit that I will have, and maybe you too for the rest of your lives, and it will enhance your life (and the lives of others) in the good times, and in the troubling times too.