Gratitude Essay

500 words essay on gratitude.

Gratitude is a beautiful way of enriching our lives. It refers to the feeling and attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for the good which we receive in life. It has been proven scientifically that when we express our gratefulness to other people, we feel happier and calmer. Thus, it allows goodness to enter our lives. For instance, when a stranger holds the door for you or greets you, it makes you feel happy. Thus, a gratitude essay will teach us how advantageous gratitude is.

gratitude essay

Advantages of Gratitude

Gratitude can have a lot of advantages to our personal as well as social life. First of all, it strengthens our relationship with others. When you have a thankful feeling, it will strengthen the bond with the other party and enhance the trust factor and feeling of respect and love .

Moreover, it also makes us happy. When we express gratitude or receive it, we feel happy either way. As a result, people who have gratitude do not stress out a lot. Similarly, being full of gratitude makes society sensible.

In other words, people become considerate and never leave a chance to say thank you to others. Thus, it helps society to progress in the right direction with the right tools needed for the development of it.

Most importantly, gratitude reduces comparisons and promotes acknowledgement. When we become thankful, we do not compare ourselves to others. Thus, it helps us acknowledge our own achievements and blessings and remain content.

How to Practice Gratitude

There are a lot of ways through which we can practice gratitude. Some of the most effective ones include making a note of every good thing which happens to us every day. Moreover, also note the people behind it.

This will help you to return the favour at an appropriate time. Never forget to return this favour as they deserve it too. Moreover, always make sure to appreciate everything in life ranging from nature to animals .

We are lucky enough to have animals, green plants, fresh air and much more. Thus, never stop acknowledging the importance of these essential things. Moreover, always remember to say thank you to different community helpers.

It can be anyone, whether your gardener or sweeper or even the police officers. Make sure you thank them for their service whenever it is possible for you. Remember that to wake up every day is no less than a blessing itself.

So, make sure to be grateful for a new day and thank the almighty for making you wiser and stronger with each passing day. Most importantly, try to avoid complaining about things when they don’t go your way. You don’t know about the blessing behind it.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of Gratitude Essay

All in all, gratitude is the most essential human expression which proves that humans are sensible and have emotions. Moreover, this emotion does not just limit to humans but also animals. Often, we see then express their gratitude and return the favour. Thus, we must always express our gratitude.

FAQ of Gratitude Essay

Question 1: Why is gratitude important?

Answer 1: Gratitude is strongly and constantly connected with greater happiness. It is what helps people feel more positive emotions, appreciate good experiences, advance their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Question 2: How can gratitude change your life?

Answer 2: Gratitude can change your life as it makes you appreciate what you have rather than what you don’t have. It can change your life  because it is the single most powerful source of inspiration that any individual can tap into if they simply stop and pay attention to the simplistic beauty and miracle of life.

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Gratitude Essay

500+ words essay on be grateful.

During difficult times, it’s easy to feel frustrated or drained by life. Negative feelings and thoughts can creep in, which can make it difficult to see the positive things in life. However, one simple practice of gratitude can help to eliminate these feelings. We take a look at the importance of being grateful through this being grateful essay. Students can also use this essay to practise more essays on similar topics like gratitude, being grateful, being grateful etc. Doing so will improve their writing section and increase their scores in the English exam.

What is Gratitude?

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. The word gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation or thanks. It is defined as “a sense of thankfulness and joy in response to receiving a gift, whether the gift is a tangible benefit from a specific other or a moment of peaceful bliss evoked by natural beauty”. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives.

There are different ways of expressing one’s thanks. Gratitude is one such emotion. People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways. Some of them apply it to the past by retrieving positive memories and being thankful for elements of childhood or past blessings. Some people are grateful for the present as they do not take good fortune for granted. Some people show gratitude for the future as they hope for a better future and maintain an optimistic attitude.

Importance of Gratitude

Gratitude enhances the quality of life and makes existence more worth living. It opens the human heart and carries the urge to give back-to do something good in return, either for the person who helped us or for someone else. It establishes social harmony and creates an environment where everyone is appreciating and providing support to each other. It also improves the quality of personal lives and strengthens the bond with family and friends. Expressing gratitude keeps us happy, healthy and stress-free.

Feeling grateful reminds people of a joyous event, and expressing gratitude to others often strengthens relationships. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. When we are grateful for others, we do not compare ourselves with others based on their financial situation or other factors, we simply appreciate their achievements. Thus, it helps in elevating the feeling of comparison, jealousy and hate. Being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or supreme power.

How to Practise Gratitude

Everyone can benefit from making an effort to practise gratitude in day-to-day life. It can be achieved simply by paying attention to the good things that happen to us. We must appreciate and accept the importance of everything in nature and our surroundings. Also, we should not forget to return the favour at an appropriate time. Whenever possible, we should thank the people around us, who make our lives comfortable, such as washermen, gardeners, security guards, sweepers, delivery men, etc. We should make a habit of thanking God when we wake up in the morning and before sleeping at night.

Gratitude is the best way to return the favour to God, nature, society, friends and relatives for the thousands of good deeds that they do for us.

We hope students must have found this “Essay on Gratitude” useful for their studies. To access more study material and get the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive exams, keep visiting BYJU’S. Also, download the BYJU’S App for interactive study videos.

Frequently asked Questions on Gratitude Essay

How to show gratitude towards others.

You can show gratitude by thanking people who help you and being courteous and friendly. You can iInvite people over for lunch/dinner to thank them for something they did for you. Always listen intently to what others are saying to show appreciation and care.

Why is showing gratitude so important?

Psychologists show that there is a positive impact on the brain and body of people who show gratitude.

What are the benefits of showing gratitude?

Showing gratitude helps in emotional regulation by reducing stress and burnout. It also increases your mental resilience because you are able to build meaningful relations with others.

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Essence of Gratitude: The Power of Appreciation

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

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Essays About Gratitude: Top 5 Examples and 7 Writing Prompts

Writing essays about gratitude is a way to show appreciation and recognize kindness. See our top examples and prompts you can use as a guide for your essay.

I’m not outspoken, and everyone close to me knows this. However, this one time, a family friend visited us and gave me a set of paintbrushes for my birthday. I thanked them, but that didn’t feel enough as they went out of their way to pick high-quality brushes and deliver them in person, even if we weren’t close. That kind lady wanted me to pursue my interest in painting, and I have felt grateful to her ever since. 

For those like me who can’t fully express gratitude through words, it becomes an intimidating task to even write about it. After all, essays about gratitude require finesse and sincerity that are hard to prove through pen and paper.

5 Essay Examples

1. the expression of gratitude by writer rosalyn, 2. a good life is a gratitude, meaning, and love by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 3. the magical power of gratitude and saying ‘thank you’ by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 4. essay on gratitude by anonymous on toppr.com  , 5. meaning and importance of gratitude by anonymous on mystudentsessay.com, 1. the true meaning of gratitude, 2. expressing gratitude, 3. the benefits of practicing gratitude, 4. culture and gratitude expression, 5. values and gratitude, 6. the boundaries of gratitude, 7. practicing gratitude: a day in my life.

“… Participants who expressed gratitude in a close relationship would have greater relationship satisfaction than those who did not express gratitude.”

The essay contains a compilation of information from various studies to discuss the effect of expressing gratitude verbally. Rosalyn discovers that the rate of relationship satisfaction increases after expressing gratitude and leads to lasting relationships and reduced divorce rates. 

Rosalyn notes how expressions of gratitude act as positive reinforcement, encouraging the recipient to be more inclined to agree to do favors. For instance, many sellers include gifts and discounts with purchases to express gratitude and cultivate repeat buyers.

“… A good life is a complex term with different meanings, but all the interpretations have a particular point in common – well-being is associated with gratitude, meaning, and love.”

The author defines the “good life” as spiritual contentment and shares their opinion and experiences as a clinical mental health counselor. They remark that gratefulness can signify healthy well-being since it means an individual is intent on what they have instead of what they don’t. Further, people filled with gratitude can find meaning in life in time and with practice. 

The counselor also mentions the importance of having someone who truly loves and cares for us to remind us to be grateful even in the darkest times of our lives. In conclusion, the writer reiterates that it’s complicated to define what a good life entails, but all definitions directly connect to gratitude, meaning, and love.

“I discovered a secret about life, and as a result of my discovery, one of the things I began to do was practice gratitude each day, to say “thank you!” more. As a result of this, everything in my life changed, and the more I practiced gratitude, the more miraculous were the result.”

To demonstrate the positive benefits of feeling and expressing gratitude, the author narrates their experiences in this short essay. They talk about their financial, relationship, and health problems and how they were all resolved when they started to be grateful. The writer considers this magical, but a change in their perception helped them overcome their problems.

“… Gratitude is the most essential human expression which proves that humans are sensible and have emotions. Moreover, this emotion does not just limit to humans but also animals. Often, we see them express their gratitude and return the favour.”

In this essay, the author identifies gratitude as a beautiful way of enriching our existence. It’s a vital skill that every person should learn and practice to invite goodness and get various benefits, such as stronger relationships and a happier outlook. The writer believes it’s crucial to always express gratitude to inspire others and remember that humans are emotional beings.

“Gratitude leads to feelings of happiness and satisfaction as it increases awareness that others have done something nice for you. As a result, gratitude and happiness become mutually reinforcing and build upon each other. Science shows that gratitude is a particular emotion, since it consists of a feeling of appreciation that does not require specific objects or actions which instigate it.”

This essay focuses on the importance and benefits of practicing gratitude which the author refers to as “the greatest gift to humanity.” Gratitude is vital as it helps us recognize positive and negative things to assist us in finding meaning and purpose in life. The author states that practicing mindfulness and meditation brings about gratitude that will improve various aspects of one’s life.

7 Prompts for Essays About Gratitude

Essays About Gratitude: The true meaning of gratitude

Gratitude is one of the most salient topics to write about and discuss. It’s a positive emotion we feel whenever we receive something that demonstrates the giver’s sincerity. Use this prompt to discuss the meaning of gratitude with your readers in two ways. First, explain its definition according to dictionaries and experts. Then use your personal experiences to illustrate what gratitude means to you.

“Thank you!” is a simple but effective phrase to express appreciation to those who try to improve your day. For this prompt, list more ways to express gratitude through verbal communication or actions. Add tips on showing gratitude while considering important factors such as the event or context, relationship to the recipient, and suitability of the method.

Focus your essay on the advantages one can get from practicing gratitude; use this prompt to encourage your readers to acknowledge the good things happening to them. Provide relevant research and examples that show the benefits of demonstrating gratitude.

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining what is persuasive writing .

Essays About Gratitude: Culture and gratitude expression

The environment an individual grows up in plays a big part in how they express gratitude. Explore different cultures worldwide and discuss how beliefs, religion, and culture can affect how groups display gratefulness. Show your reader’s how different cultures communicate gratitude, including the common reasons they do so. Then, share how you were taught to convey gratitude in your culture.

Exercising gratitude trains us to establish positive values such as enthusiasm and optimism. Use this prompt to identify and discuss the values ​​one can gain from learning about gratitude. Discuss the values you developed while practicing gratitude to make your essay relatable. You might also be interested in these essays about overcoming challenges .

Although gratitude is one of the most positive emotions we can experience, it should still be practiced within healthy boundaries. Such limitations should be applied when a person develops extreme beliefs involving gratitude. An example is over-optimism, where an individual becomes unrealistically optimistic to the point that they ignore the existence of their problems. In your essay, discuss how to practice gratitude in a way that positively influences your life.

In this essay, reflect on a typical day in your life and highlight the parts that make you feel thankful. This prompt will help you appreciate the trivial things in your life and teach your readers how to treasure even the minor things in their lives. For example, having the opportunity to wake up and live another day already deserves your gratitude. Discuss all the things that you are grateful for in this heartfelt essay.

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essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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How Can Our Gratitude Contribute to World Peace?

Est. reading time: 3 minutes.

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Every day we witness the brutality of war and atrocity, and can feel hopeless or doubt that anything we do as an individual can have a positive impact. International Day of World Peace was celebrated recently so now might be a good time to reflect on how our own gratitude can make a difference.

I love the Zen saying:

If there is light in the soul, There is beauty in the person, If there is beauty in the person, There will be harmony in the house, If there is harmony in the house, There will be order in the nation, If there is order in the nation, There will be peace in the world.

If we are to bring about world peace, we first need to ask ourselves if how we think and what we say and do can make a difference. This is not a trite question. We need to ask this first if gratitude is to have relevance and be a transformative force.

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Gratitude brings light to the soul because it shines a light on our sense of interconnectedness with one another. It immediately awakens us to what we receive from each other. This extends beyond our immediate connections with people we know personally to include a wide array of people who contribute to our world. For example, just reflecting on gratitude for the rice we are about to eat at meal times can expand our awareness of those who planted the rice in India and then to those who harvested the rice and transported it and sold it. Thousands of people could have our thanks extended to them in this way.

Such a sense of interconnectedness brightens the ‘light in our soul’ because it moves us out of our individualism and separateness and towards a recognition of our absolute dependence on others. This may make us feel less indifferent to the senseless hurt inflicted on others. The philosopher Emmanuel Levinas has argued that it is a sense of interconnectedness that is required if we are to assume the “radical responsibility” for the other that is needed to make us act ethically and behave truly as a human being.

One of the most powerful ways to give back is to acknowledge to others what we have received from them.

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

When we acknowledge what we receive from another it has a motivating force that urges us to give back. One of the most powerful ways to give back is to acknowledge to others what we have received from them. This brings about what the social anthropologist Margaret Visser describes as “reconnaissance” – recognition of the others’ value in their very humanness through expressing gratitude to them.

For example, if we go to the corner store and the shopkeeper looks tired at 9 pm after a long day’s work, we might say something like: “I really appreciate your efforts in keeping the store open this late at night so I am able to buy this milk”. It seems like such a small gesture but one that could have an enormous impact in a world where that shopkeeper is seen as someone who is there solely to provide a transactional service, so not particularly deserving of our thanks. Every time we express genuine gratitude we are basing our relationships less on transactions and more on a sense of appreciation for being given to by another. As sociologist Georg Simmel says, gratitude provides the moral cohesion of humankind.

Most importantly she teaches us that we cannot give affirmation – this reconnaissance through gratitude – to ourselves. It must be given to us by others.

When people feel recognised through the gratitude expressed by others, they feel more affirmed. Margaret Visser tells us that this is essential to our sense of belonging, identity and relationships. Most importantly she teaches us that we cannot give affirmation – this reconnaissance through gratitude – to ourselves. It must be given to us by others.

Gratitude also shines a light on the state that is its opposite – resentment. The words we use towards and about others are key points of reflection as to whether they arise from resentment or gratitude. If we find ourselves backbiting or gossiping or disparaging, we are doing the opposite of reconnaissance or interconnectedness. We are separating and dividing ourselves from others and disaffirming them.

At the core of most wars and atrocities is the resentment we hold in our hearts. Our reflection on how we could do things differently next time, not only steers us back towards gratitude and personal integrity, but is a crucial step towards world peace. We are taking ‘radical responsibility’.  Our own gratitude can make a difference.

Dr. Kerry Howells

Dr. Kerry Howells

About the author.

Dr Kerry Howells is an author, award-winning educator and experienced researcher. She has spent over 25 years researching, teaching and practicing gratitude. She has published several academic papers that report on her findings regarding the important role of gratitude in school leadership and teaching, pre-service teacher education, indigenous education, early childhood education, elite athlete coaching, and academic learning. She is the author of Gratitude in Education: A Radical View and Untangling you: How can I be grateful when I feel so resentful? .

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I somehow feel good people and it is immediately easier for me to communicate with them, so gratitude is the same for me, it is important that it is mutual, for example, I have been very grateful lately https://studyfy.com/service/write-my-research-paper that write my research paper, it was a good job so I am very grateful

I’m loving the sporty vibe of this starter 49ers pullover jacket The design is elegant and modern, with just the right amount of team spirit. It’s the perfect outerwear option for any fan looking to stay warm and stylish

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Here is an Axiom which I learned from the ancient traditions of the Caucus Mountain peoples.

This Sufi Axiom is wonderful way of summarizing the functioning principles within the ‘Seven Promises of a Researcher of Truth’ and is a detailed guide to being able to Truly emanate gratitude, Knowingly and authentically. I say these two words because without “knowingly” being aware of Who You are wrt the Divine Plan one cannot emanate Gratitude to its full potential. ( I have listened these 7 promises below as a separate point. )

The Axiom says …………

“If anything good happens to you, look for the cause without. If anything bad happens to you, look for the cause within.”

Ultimately of course, at the Noetic level, there is no “”Within” / “Without” ” these are only witnessed in the every day world of yet to be awaked unconscious behaviour of humans.

A brief explanation of the Axiom:

The first sentence in this axiom confirms that good services applied “without”, IOW promises 1 thru 5, will always be abundantly returned. Joshua Emanuel said “You can’t give a glass of water away without it being returned.”.

The second sentence in this axiom confirms that achievement of “Self Realization / Self Mastery, Promises 6 and 7, is the key to protection from negative elementals. And if you are being influence by negative elementals then “look within”. IOW enter into introspection to find where the weak defenses are. You will then cut off the loss of lift vitality and be able to emanate it as MORE gratitude to Life and all around you.

Here are The 7 PROMISES of a Researcher of Truth ( with a big Thank You to Dr Stylianos Ateshilis ( aka Daskalos )

1) To serve, at all times and in all places, Absolute Beingness to whom I whole heartedly belong.

2) To be ready, at all times and in all places to serve the Divine Plan.

3) To make good use of the Divine Gifts of thought and word at all times, in all places and under all circumstances.

4) To endure patiently, without complaining, all forms of trials and tribulation which the most wise Divine Law may bestow upon me.

5) To love and serve my fellow human beings sincerely from the depths of my heart and Soul no matter what their behavior may be towards me.

6) To meditate and to contemplate daily Absolute Beingness, with the objective of total coordination of my thoughts, desires, words and actions with Its Divine Will.

7) To investigate and check every night whether all my thoughts, desires, words and actions are in absolute harmony with the Divine Law.

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Great material thanks Ed!

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Thank you for the wonderful, well written essay filled with wisdom! I especially enjoyed the concept – “Gratitude also shines a light on the state that is its opposite – resentment”. I believe that is so true and will help to remind me to keep in mind that only light can dispel darkness.

Resentment really is its opposite. I was thinking greed is, but what does greed turn into if it isn’t transformed into gratitude? Resentment. I find greed, anger, and delusion feed into each other and are truly poisonous energies that work in opposition to grateful living. The louder the darkness calls out, the more light you need to bring in RIGHT AWAY or else it will grow. I learned this painfully today by allowing greed to turn into resentment, it all happened like bombs going off and once the greed led to the flames of anger the darkness overtook me and I couldn’t shake it off, not until now but at least it is gone before I am going to sleep. I introduced light that I should have introduced nearly 12 hours ago to dispel the darkness of greed, anger, and delusion.

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

What a beautiful, inspiring and uplifting article! Thank-you for reinforcing that each of us can make a difference!

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Thank you for an excellent and inspiring essay that really shows in a practical way that gratitude is not self-indulgent but does lead to a greater peace. Very very helpful!

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Essay Curve

Essay on Gratitude – Examples, 10 Lines to 1200 Words

Short Essay on Gratitude

Essay on Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our lives in profound ways. In this essay, we will explore the importance of practicing gratitude on a daily basis and how it can improve our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. From boosting our mood and enhancing our relationships to increasing our resilience and overall happiness, gratitude has the ability to shift our perspective and help us appreciate the abundance in our lives. Join me as we delve into the transformative power of gratitude.

Gratitude Essay Writing Tips

1. Start by defining gratitude and its importance in daily life. Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for the good things in life. It is a powerful emotion that can improve mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

2. Share personal experiences or examples of moments when you felt grateful. This could be a simple act of kindness from a stranger, a supportive friend during a difficult time, or a beautiful sunset that brought you joy. These examples can help illustrate the impact of gratitude in your own life.

3. Discuss the benefits of practicing gratitude regularly. Research has shown that expressing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, improved physical health, stronger relationships, and reduced stress. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, you can cultivate a more optimistic outlook and attract more positivity into your life.

4. Explore different ways to cultivate gratitude in your daily routine. This could include keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank-you notes, practicing mindfulness and meditation, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the small joys in life. By incorporating these practices into your life, you can train your mind to focus on the good and develop a more grateful attitude.

5. Address any challenges or obstacles that may prevent you from feeling grateful. It’s important to acknowledge that life is not always perfect and there will be times when it’s difficult to find things to be thankful for. However, even in the midst of challenges, there are still opportunities to practice gratitude and find moments of joy.

6. Reflect on the impact of gratitude on your relationships with others. Expressing gratitude towards loved ones can strengthen bonds and create a sense of connection and appreciation. By showing gratitude towards others, you can also inspire them to cultivate a more positive and grateful mindset.

7. Conclude your essay by emphasizing the importance of gratitude in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. By practicing gratitude regularly, you can cultivate a more positive and optimistic outlook, leading to greater happiness and well-being.

Essay on Gratitude in 10 Lines – Examples

1. Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for the good things in life. 2. It helps us focus on the positive aspects of our lives and fosters a sense of contentment and happiness. 3. Practicing gratitude can improve our mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. 4. It strengthens relationships by fostering a sense of connection and mutual appreciation. 5. Gratitude encourages us to see the good in others and acknowledge their contributions to our lives. 6. It can help us overcome challenges and setbacks by shifting our perspective to focus on what we have rather than what we lack. 7. Gratitude promotes a sense of abundance and fulfillment, leading to a more positive outlook on life. 8. It encourages us to pay it forward and spread kindness and generosity to others. 9. Gratitude can improve our physical health by reducing inflammation and boosting our immune system. 10. Overall, cultivating a mindset of gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Sample Essay on Gratitude in 100-180 Words

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives. When we practice gratitude, we are acknowledging the good things in our lives and expressing appreciation for them. This simple act can help us shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, leading to increased feelings of happiness and contentment.

Gratitude also has the power to strengthen relationships and build connections with others. When we express gratitude towards someone, we are showing them that we value and appreciate them, which can deepen our bond with them.

In addition, practicing gratitude can improve our mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that people who regularly practice gratitude experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Overall, gratitude is a powerful tool that can help us lead happier, more fulfilling lives. By taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate the good things in our lives, we can cultivate a positive mindset and create a ripple effect of positivity in our relationships and communities.

Short Essay on Gratitude in 200-500 Words

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives. It is the act of being thankful and appreciative for the good things in our lives, both big and small. When we practice gratitude, we are able to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, leading to increased happiness and overall well-being.

One of the key benefits of gratitude is its ability to improve our mental health. When we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, we are able to reframe our thoughts and see things from a more positive perspective. This can help to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve our overall mental well-being. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased levels of happiness, optimism, and life satisfaction.

Gratitude also has a positive impact on our physical health. Studies have found that people who regularly practice gratitude have lower levels of inflammation, improved heart health, and stronger immune systems. This is because gratitude can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which in turn can have a positive effect on our physical health. By focusing on the good things in our lives, we are able to cultivate a sense of peace and contentment that can benefit our overall health and well-being.

In addition to its mental and physical health benefits, gratitude can also improve our relationships with others. When we express gratitude towards others, we are able to strengthen our connections and build trust and rapport. Gratitude can help to foster a sense of appreciation and mutual respect, leading to more positive and fulfilling relationships. By showing gratitude towards others, we can create a cycle of positivity and kindness that can have a ripple effect on those around us.

Practicing gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to cultivate a more positive and fulfilling life. There are many ways to incorporate gratitude into our daily routine, such as keeping a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to others, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the good things in our lives. By making gratitude a regular practice, we can experience the many benefits it has to offer and cultivate a greater sense of happiness, well-being, and fulfillment.

Essay on Gratitude in 1000-1500 Words

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives. It is the feeling of being thankful and appreciative for the blessings and positive aspects of our lives. When we practice gratitude, we are able to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, which can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and overall well-being.

Gratitude is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced and materialistic society. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need more in order to be happy and successful. This mindset can lead to feelings of discontent and dissatisfaction, as we are always striving for the next big thing without taking the time to appreciate what we already have.

However, research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a multitude of benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical health. Studies have found that individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. They also have stronger immune systems, better sleep quality, and improved relationships with others.

One of the reasons why gratitude is so powerful is that it helps us to shift our perspective from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. When we focus on what we are grateful for, we are able to see the positive aspects of our lives more clearly and appreciate the abundance that surrounds us. This can help us to feel more content and satisfied with what we have, rather than constantly striving for more.

Gratitude also has the power to improve our relationships with others. When we express gratitude towards others, whether through a simple thank you or a heartfelt gesture, we are able to strengthen our connections and foster a sense of mutual appreciation. This can lead to greater trust, understanding, and empathy in our relationships, as we are able to recognize and value the contributions of others.

In addition, gratitude can help us to cultivate a more positive outlook on life. When we focus on the things we are grateful for, we are able to see the good in every situation, even in the face of challenges and adversity. This can help us to develop resilience and optimism, as we are able to find silver linings and opportunities for growth in difficult circumstances.

Practicing gratitude can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, where we write down three things we are thankful for each day. This can help us to cultivate a habit of gratitude and train our minds to focus on the positive aspects of our lives. We can also express gratitude through acts of kindness, such as volunteering or helping others in need, which can not only benefit those we are helping but also bring us a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

In conclusion, gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives. By practicing gratitude, we are able to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, leading to greater happiness, fulfillment, and overall well-being. Gratitude can help us to cultivate a mindset of abundance, improve our relationships with others, and develop a more positive outlook on life. It is a simple yet transformative practice that can bring joy and contentment into our lives. So let us take a moment each day to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings and positive aspects of our lives.

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Be Grateful Essay

Gratitude can change your life by teaching you to appreciate what you have rather than what you don't. Experiencing gratitude is a wonderful way to improve our lives. It describes the attitude of being grateful and showing appreciation for all the good things in life. Here are a few sample essays on ‘Gratitude’ for students of all classes can refer while writing their school assignments and projects.

100 Words Essay On Gratitude

200 words essay on gratitude, 500 words essay on gratitude.

Be Grateful Essay

In today’s uncertain times, being grateful for one’s surroundings is imperative. In the pursuit to move ahead in life, we often forget to express gratitude. This leads to a degree of dissatisfaction in one’s life. Being grateful can mean different things to different people; for some, it may involve expressing gratitude and for others, it may include writing their feelings or verbalising their feelings. Gratefulness allows a person to have a free mind and operate from a position of abundance, it changes the frame of mind. Greater happiness is consistently and firmly linked to gratitude. It is what enables people to appreciate experiences, feel more positive emotions, improve their health, and build solid relationships.

Practising gratitude can be a life changing experience if practised actively. Operating from a mindset of being grateful and counting your blessings puts you in a position of power in any interaction you might have. When you are experiencing gratitude, you express your appreciation for something or someone in your life by being kind, pleasant, and generous in various ways. Being grateful in life is essential because it helps people to appreciate and balance the good and bad while working to improve each day over the last one.

How To Feel Grateful | The first step to being grateful is to realise how we are a product of our surroundings, we are a product of our work and the work we actively put into developing ourselves. It is difficult to be grateful for your own actions and yourself. Once you develop the habit of gratitude consciously within yourself, you shift your world view and allow yourself to be aware of the progress you are making. As with everything, this practice needs time to be cultivated to your being. One of the most effective ways of developing this habit is by journaling your thoughts and identifying times where you are grateful to yourself and to others. As time passes, this will become second nature to you which will allow you to be at peace with yourself.

The key to leading a happy, fulfilling life is to practise gratitude. Even when you feel like nothing positive has occurred, consider the less complicated aspects of life, such as having a meal, a bed to sleep in, or even waking up to a new day. When life becomes too difficult, being grateful might help you direct your attention toward something more uplifting and lighten your load.

How To Practise Gratitude

There are many approaches for us to express our gratitude. Making a list of every positive thing that occurs to us each day is among the most beneficial ones. Also, it's important to take note of who is responsible for it. This will make it easier for you to repay the favour at the proper moment. Don't forget to reciprocate the favour since they deserve it as well.

3 Things Each Day | Every day, make it a habit of writing down 3 things that you are grateful for. It could be anything small or big. You don't have to elaborate but just recall at the end of the day any 3 things that made you happy. For instance—friends, family and nature.

Appreciate Daily Comforts | We don’t realise what we have until we lose it. We often take our everyday comforts for granted and that is why it’s important to recognise and appreciate what you have— a warm bed to sleep in, a healthy body, family to come home to. It's remarkable what you notice when you give gratitude your full attention.

Create A Journal Of Gratitude | It is more probable that we will notice nice things as they happen if we make a commitment to write down pleasant things every day. So, make a ritual of writing down in your gratitude journal weekly or bi-weekly.

Advantages Of Gratitude

Gratitude frees us from toxic, unfavourable feelings and the rumination that frequently goes along with them. Our attention is "shifted" when we write a letter, enabling us to concentrate on pleasant feelings.

Writing a gratitude letter has advantages that get stronger over time. Daily or weekly practices may not immediately yield results, but after a few weeks and months, it will.

Gratitude encourages appreciation and lessens comparisons. We stop comparing ourselves to others when we are grateful. As a result, it assists in our acceptance of our own successes and blessings and promotes contentment.

Things I Am Grateful For

It was only during the time of COVID-19 pandemic that I came to realise what it felt like to be grateful. I expressed my appreciation for my family and friends for being there every step of the way. I contracted COVID-19 and it took me quite some time to recover. My family, even though, could not be in close proximity, took care of me and made sure I was feeling better at the end of the day. My friends video called me every day and spent time with me virtually. I also realised how I took everyday comforts for granted—such as shelter, good food, clothes. People were struggling to make their ends meet during the pandemic and I had the comfort of staying at home and also earning a living. It was after 2020 that I started maintaining a gratitude journal and also contributed to society through social work.

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essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Gratitude is the deep sentiment in which we feel thankful for what we have and develop feelings of appreciation that we are compelled to pass onto others. But we all ultimately express gratitude in different ways. We can relish on good experiences that help us move forward to deal with adversity and build strong relationships. Additionally, having empathy for one another and finding appreciation in life directly stems from the impacts that gratitude has on the world around us.

Peace through Unity Copyright © by glc2. All Rights Reserved.

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Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

The Foundation of Happiness

“Abundance can be had simply by consciously receiving what has already been given.” —Sufi Saying

As a “happiness expert” (as I’m sometimes called), people often ask me, “If you had to pick just one thing that could make me happier right now, what would it be?”

I’m always tempted to make jokes about sex and yoga—or maybe a glass of wine.

essay on gratitude lays the foundation of peaceful life

Glib responses aside, those of us who teach happiness for a living have some ready answers to this question. Sonja Lybomirsky, author of The How of Happiness , picks exercise as the best instant happiness booster. Martin Seligman, author of Authentic Happiness and Flourishing , recommends acts of kindness.

Knowing the research, I’m sold on the happiness-boosting properties of both exercise and kindness. But I have a different #1.

I believe gratitude is the foundation of personal happiness—and a community’s happiness as well, as the two aren’t easily separated.

If we want to be happy, and to raise happy kids, we need to practice gratitude— deliberately, and consistently, or we may end up feeling more entitled than appreciative.

When we feel entitled, we often stew about unfulfilled expectations. Entitlement makes us more likely to feel disappointed when we don’t get what we think we want , rather than grateful when we receive something.

Disappointment is not a happiness habit. Gratitude is.

Habit being the key word: We need to establish rituals and traditions that make feeling and expressing gratitude habitual . Here are three of my favorite gratitude practices.

1. On Thanksgiving, we appreciate each other by writing on our dinner table place cards. The kids make giant construction paper placecards for each guest, and as people arrive and mingle, we each take some time to sit down at the table and write on the inside of each place card something that we love or appreciate about them. (If you are reading this post via email, you can see images of these placecards here . I also describe this practice more in this podcast .)

2. Several times a week , I take a photograph of something I find beautiful or inspiring, or something for which I feel grateful. I was inspired to do this by Hailey Bartholomew ’s film. Often, I just take the photo with my phone, and usually it never gets shared.

3. Everyday, I ask my kids about three good things. They might share good things that happened to them that day, or good things they did themselves, or even something good that hasn’t happened yet that they are anticipating. For example: “One good thing today is that in two days we get to go to Chico to see Grammy & Grampa Snuggles and our cousins!” They are counting their blessings.

We do this practice in all different circumstances. Sometimes it’s while snuggled in bed. Sometimes, when I have a speaking engagement at night, we do it after school, on the couch. Sometimes it’s over the phone if they’re at their dad’s house. But no matter the situation, their first good thing is always “right now.” This reminds me to be present and recognize that this particular “right now” is worthy of great gratitude.

In addition to stirring up feelings of gratitude (while curbing a sense of entitlement), all of these practices evoke the positive emotions that make us feel deeply satisfied with our lives.

The first practice makes us feel loved, and helps us express the love we have for others.

The second makes me feel awe and elevation, because I’m usually photographing something beautiful in nature. I will also often also feel love if there is, say, a child in the picture. And sometimes I just feel awash in contentment and peace—or creativity and inspiration—as I take the photograph.

The third practice can evoke a full range of positive emotions: anticipation and excitement (about something coming up); kindness and compassion (for someone they did a “good thing” for); straight-up relived happiness (recounting a fun time at recess).

All of these practices evoke the abundance that is all around us, even in these challenging times. As the Sufi saying above acknowledges, they help us receive the many gifts that are already out there.

What are your family’s favorite gratitude practices?

© 2011 Christine Carter, Ph.D.

Become a fan of Raising Happiness on Facebook . Follow Christine Carter on Twitter Sign up for the Raising Happiness monthly newsletter .

About the Author

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Christine Carter

Christine Carter, Ph.D. is a Senior Fellow at the Greater Good Science Center. She is the author of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (BenBella, 2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less (Ballantine Books, 2015), and Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents (Random House, 2010). A former director of the GGSC, she served for many years as author of its parenting blog, Raising Happiness . Find out more about Christine here .

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Thankfulness / The Power of Thankfulness: How Gratitude Has Transformed My Life

The Power of Thankfulness: How Gratitude Has Transformed My Life

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  • Keep a gratitude journal: Write down a list of things that you are thankful for each day, no matter how big or small they may be. This will help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life and develop a sense of appreciation for the many blessings that you have.
  • Express your gratitude to others: Take the time to express your gratitude to the people in your life who have made a positive impact on you. This could be as simple as sending a thank-you note, or taking someone out for coffee to express your appreciation for their friendship or support.
  • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness, you can develop a greater appreciation for the present moment and the many wonders of the world around you.
  • Volunteer your time: Volunteering your time to help others is a powerful way to cultivate gratitude. By giving back to your community and helping those in need, you can develop a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life.
  • Take care of your body: Taking care of your physical health is an important way to cultivate thankfulness. By nourishing your body with healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise, you can develop a greater sense of appreciation for the amazing capabilities of your body.

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