The Power of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Transforms Your Life

Expressing gratitude is the key to unlocking all the goodness hidden in the world. A person who shows thanks engraves in their heart and mind the message that “there is something good here”. This imprint creates a focus that connects the individual to the positive forces within them and in the world around them. Like a boomerang, that goodness continues to return to us from every direction.

The ability to feel and express gratitude makes us happier and healthier people. Gratitude is a trait we should strive to develop and is essential to our personal growth and spiritual journey.

Studies show that while ingratitude can lead to anxiety, depression, envy, loneliness, and even illness, gratitude brings positive results in key areas of life: satisfaction, self-esteem, optimism, hope, empathy, and physical and emotional health.

On the verse in Psalms, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving," it is explained that "All the gates of the Holy One open only through gratitude." The key to opening the gates of abundance is the practice of giving thanks.

Rabbi Natan of Breslov writes: “If people would truly walk this path... praising and thanking G-d for everything they experience- both the good and the seemingly bad- then all suffering would be nullified, and we would merit a complete redemption.”

Who Should We Thank?

First and foremost, the Creator of the World, who made everything and gives us life at every moment. Both the revealed and hidden good comes from him and He watches our lips and awaits our thanks.

It’s also good to thank those around us including our spouse, children, employer, coworkers, neighbor, or even the bus driver. Smile and say “thank you.” It’s so simple and easy.

What Should We Thank For?

Gratitude can be practiced on three levels:

1. For the good things. This is the easiest level and also very important.

2. For the difficult things. Thanking G-d with faith that this too is for the best, and given with compassion.

3. For the future salvation. This is the highest level of gratitude and brings great deliverance.

Try This Powerful Habit:

Write five gratitude statements each day: "I thank ___ for ___."
Within a few days, you’ll likely notice amazing improvements in your health, mood, relationships, and even finances.