The Compounding Effect of a Gratitude Habit

Keeping a gratitude journal changed me from a non-believer to a believer.

Gratitude became a habit - an essential part of my morning routine. I was always optimistic, but I started feeling happier.

I developed a mindset of gratitude.

Gratitude made me look for the good in my life. Looking for good led me to intentionally do good in words and deeds. I learned to concentrate on what I controlled, even if that was only a simple physical, verbal, or mental response

The more you practice gratitude, the more your perspective changes.

Gratitude contributes to your overall ability to see your place in the world in a positive light. It helps you understand that you control only your thinking and actions. In my case, gratitude made me look for opportunities to take action.

My husband and I missed our turn coming home from a party. My husband was frustrated at his mistake. I shared my point of view, " This is the scenic route. I've never seen it."

I have clarity about what I control and acceptance I wish I had years ago.

… an honest understanding of what is within our control provides real clarity about the world: all we have is our own mind. Remember that today when you are trying to extend your reach outward — that it’s much better and more appropriately directed inward. -Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic

Do you need to practice gratitude to understand what you control and make choices to do good? Probably not.

Keeping a gratitude journal definitely makes it easier.