Gratitude. It’s something I started paying especially close attention to practicing after I read The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan – an excellent book and quick read that speaks to the far-reaching benefits of being grateful for what we have. Gratitude has a huge impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and on our personal and professional relationships (among many other things). One of the takeaways from The Gratitude Diaries for me is the importance of writing in a gratitude journal each day. In October 2020 I started writing down three things that I was grateful for each day – everything from having a nice conversation with someone to going for a walk along the river or having a nice dinner with friends. After doing this for three weeks, I felt compelled to write more; I now write about ¾ of a page of things that I’m grateful for each day, and it’s changed my life. I’m a pretty positive person to begin with but the same as everyone else, I experience negativity from time to time. Now, though, that I write daily in my gratitude journal, there is little if any chance for negativity to slip into my day. This helps me achieve success in all aspects of my life…which further feeds my spirit of gratitude. This gratitude cycle is something I wish for everyone to experience, benefit, and grow from so I encourage you to read The Gratitude Diaries and to begin taking note – quite literally – of the many wonderful things in your life.

Insurance Representative, Wiegers Financial and Insurance Planning Services Ltd.

Financial Planner, Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc.