The Ultimate Gratitude List, from A to Z

26 Reasons to Be Grateful

by Valerie Reiss

"Gratitude feels so good because it is the state of mind closest to your natural state in which you were born to live."

-Abraham-Hicks

“Count your blessings” is simple to the point of stupid—and powerful to the point of life-altering. Gratitude, that very specific feeling of thankfulness in your heart, allows you to see and absorb all you have, forgetting for a moment all you may lack. It connects your brain with your heart, and gives you the ground to be more giving, effective, loving human. Being grateful allows generosity to flow. And many believe it also makes us more receptive—as in, the more you love what you have, the more you get what you want. So herewith, a list to remind you of fundamental things to be grateful for every day—from apples to clouds to ice cream to getting enough nightly Zzz’s.

Valerie Reiss is Beliefnet's Holistic Living Editor. For more: Valeriereiss.com