You know them – the people who can never be satisfied and are always wanting more because what they have isn’t quite good enough. And sometimes you and I might be one of “them.” Sometimes it takes the form of comparing where you are with where you think others are. “Yes, I’ve done this (or that), but look at what _____ (fill in the blank) has done.” That comparison mindset can take down even the mightiest among us.

Instead, what would it be like to shift – okay, dive – into a mindset of thankfulness? And rather than focusing on what other people possess or have accomplished, focus on what is good in your life, and by focusing on the good – and being thankful – increasing the joy and abundance in your life?

Over 2,000 years ago the philosopher Plato told us, “A grateful mind is a great mind, which eventually attracts itself to great things.” Let’s capture that concept, which tells us, “A grateful mind attracts great things to itself.”

Gratitude is a state of thankfulness, and is not a new concept. Ancient texts and scriptures highlight the importance of this uniquely human emotion to contribute to the richness of our communities, families, and inner well-being.

When you feel the positive emotions of gratefulness, your brain structure actually changes and creates new neural pathways in your brain. The repeated practice of thankfulness makes it easier to enter into a grateful state of mind.

Why is this important? Feeling grateful for the circumstances in your life – through the ups and downs – increases your optimism about your present and future. Plus, optimism boosts your immunity by increasing your red blood cell count. Studies at the universities of Kentucky and Utah found that certain law students under stress who indicated higher levels of optimism had more disease-fighting cells in their bodies. Plus thankfulness promoted better sleep and lower levels of stress.

Science has shown that when you feel grateful, and activate resultant healing emotions of positivity and optimism, your brain releases a surge of feel-good chemicals and hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which enhance your mood and ease anxiety. Over time, thankfulness as a daily habit can operate like a natural antidepressant. What’s wonderful is that it’s available to everyone – and it’s free!

There’s the principle that what you focus on endures and grows. Plus, you cannot hold two thoughts in mind at the same time. So focusing on the good that you can find – even in the most stressful and difficult situations – will promote feelings of optimism and positivity. When you are able to see your situation in a positive light, negative thoughts will start to fall away. This raises your vibration and attracts more joy and abundance into your life.

Think about it. Who do you enjoy being around? Someone who is negative and always stressing about what they see as wrong in their lives and in the world or someone who is positive and filled with joy?

Yes, we are living in challenging times. People are becoming polarized over the various issues facing us today. What would it be like to focus on the good and commonalities between us? What would it be like to be grateful for all that we have in common – things such as our desire to feel safe; to experience physical, mental, and spiritual well-being; to be healthy; and to experience abundance in our lives?

It starts with you and your practice of thankfulness for the good in your life. You have the power.

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2021 issue of CHOICES Magazine