Thanksgiving is approaching and soon we’ll be taking time to acknowledge what we’re grateful for. Of course, it’s a nice gesture, but what you know what’s the best thing about gratitude? You can be grateful every single day, not just during the month of November.

Gratitude is being mindful of the positive things that are happening in your life and taking time to express gratitude and return kindness. It can potentially lead to a stronger sense of well-being when you consciously express it.

Practicing gratitude has been shown to have dramatic and lasting effects on people’s health and happiness in many different studies. There are many simple ways to practice gratitude. 

Be the change you want to see in the world by making gratitude a part of each day. If we all practice gratitude more regularly, the world will be a better place. It takes just a few moments to practice gratitude and thanksgiving. Begin your day with gratitude by taking a couple of moments to express what you’re most thankful for.  

Accept the advantages of what was granted to you and reflect on how this will benefit you and those you care for, how good you feel as a result, and how the feelings can fuel your own kindness.  

The simplest way in your life to express gratitude is to verbalize your appreciation for others. As you sit down to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, have every person around the table express something they’re grateful for. 

Gratitude is not about how much or how little you’ve got — it’s the narrative you tell yourself; what you believe about your life. 

Gratitude expands our ability to feel joy and contentment. It instills a deeper dimension into our lives. It’s not something to practice only when fortune comes our way, but something to practice at all times.

This Thanksgiving, make it a point to begin practicing gratitude in your daily life. Be aware of what you are grateful for all around you as you move through the day. Then, take that newly formed habit into the days and months and years to follow.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity for us to give thanks and celebrate our blessings with family and friends. But it isn’t — and shouldn’t be — the only time we do so. Be thankful for all the positive things in life. Always and forever.