January 2006: walking home from preschool, my 3 ½ year old son Erik picked a dandelion and gave it to me. A tiny gesture; but it meant so much to me, I saved the flower in an envelope. Today, 14 years later, I showed it to him, and told him how much I appreciated it. You should have seen the smile on his face.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough. (Aesop)

Good things come to us every day. Do you appreciate them? Then take the time to express thanks to the giver: the friend, the stranger, a higher power, life itself. Speak up!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping  a present and not giving it. (William Arthur Ward)

By saying and showing it, you warm the heart of the giver…

The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated. (William James)

…and you inspire them to follow your example. They’ll pass the gift of gratitude along to still others, augmenting the sum of positivity in the world.

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. (Dalai Lama)

But don’t just say, “Thanks.” Be specific, be detailed, in your expression of appreciation. Tell that friend – or stranger – how much it means to you, and why.

Every day, choose to take the time to express – to show or say:

1. Gratitude for each good moment each day. Don’t let anything, even a small thing, pass without thanking the giver.

Gratitude is the fairest blossom that springs from the soul. (Henry Ward Beecher)

2. Gratitude for past blessings. Yesterday, last week, last year: aren’t there countless things for which you didn’t express appreciation?

It’s never too late. Today, call that friend who did you a good turn long ago. Tell them how much it meant to you.

3. Gratitude for challenges. If life were easy, it would be boring. Difficulties, obstacles and injuries are inevitable. What’s not inevitable is how you choose to look at them.

See them as opportunities to surmount adversity, to test your strength, and to inspire those around by your example. No rainbows without rain! Lean your head back, express thanks for the rain on your face, and wait for the rainbow.

Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses. (Alphonse Karr)

They gave a gift, you got a lift? They may not know it ‘til you show it. Boost their attitude: express your gratitude!

4 DAYS OF CHOOSING GRATITUDE

Day 1: Gratitude to friends: text, email or call three people today to express gratitude for something they have done for you.

Day 2: Gratitude to strangers: today, take the time to express thanks to every person who does you even the smallest kindness.

Day 3: Gratitude for challenges: think of the two biggest difficulties in your life currently. Now, assess what you’ve learned from them, or how they’ve made you a better person. Express thanks to whoever or whatever imposed those challenges on you.

Day 4: Increase your “gratitude inventory”: go online and research the topic, “ways to show gratitude.”

… interested in some inspiring tips on 99 other positive choices, and some exercises to get you started?