The Feeling of Gratitude

Hi there. My name is Gratitude, and I am a wonderful, warm feeling. I am the happiness you feel inside when you notice all the good things around you, big or small. I am not a person, but a feeling that visits you. When you get a big hug from someone you love or see a beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky, that's me visiting you and making your heart feel sunny.

You can find me in so many places if you just look for me. When a friend shares their snack with you at lunchtime, I am the big smile on your face and the happy 'thank you' that you say. When your family reads you a bedtime story, I am the cozy, safe feeling you get while snuggled in your bed. I even show up on sunny days when you get to run and play outside, or when you learn something new and exciting at school from your teacher. I love popping up in these small, happy moments that happen every single day.

When you let me visit, I help you see how much good there is in your life. Noticing all the kind people and wonderful things helps you feel strong and happy, even on tricky days when things don't go your way. I continue to help people today by reminding them to look for the good all around them. This simple act of noticing makes their hearts feel full and bright. I learned that paying attention to happy moments makes every day a little bit better.

Formulated c. 49 BCE
Published 2004
Educator Tools