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The amazing effects of gratitude

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What are you grateful for in your life?  Take a moment, slow down, and think of three things that you are thankful for.  Share it with someone.

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Wondering how much gratitude you have?  Fill out this Gratitude Questionnaire and see how you compare to other people who took the quiz.     

What does displaying gratitude do for your brain?  Visit Scientific American and watch Gratitude on the Brain to find out the answer to that question.  Want to learn more about the Science of Happiness?  Visit this NPR link and find out exactly what happiness can do for both your body and brain.  

What does this all have to do with your heart?  "Gratitude Is Good For The Soul And Helps the Heart, Too" might just inspire you to become more heart healthy! Choose to Be Grateful.  It Will Make You Happier, a New York Times article has all the latest brain science on how even pretending to be happier can actually affect your brain.  The Selfish Side of Gratitude, an article just published in the NY Times is also an interesting read!

Are there actually ways to increase your feeling of gratitude about your place in the world and your life in general?  Read, "Take a ‘Savoring Walk,’ and three other research-based strategies to help you appreciate this life," from the Washington Post and see if you are doing the right things to help your appreciate what you have, or in some cases don't have!

These TED Talks on the topic of gratitude and gratefulness just might provide the inspiration you are looking for:

Want to be happy?  Be grateful.
Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.
Remember to say thank you.













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