Share an Attitude of Gratitude on September 21

World Gratitude Day is September 21. How will you show your appreciation for the people you know best in life, or the acquaintance at school, work or church that did something nice, or the stranger — through their deeds or personal mission — that is making the world a better place? These days, it feels so easy to be cynical. Civility, compassion, thankfulness…those are the qualities we need more of in this world.

So let’s all practice an attitude of gratitude on September 21, and make it a habit thereafter. Here are 3 ways to cultivate gratitude in your life.

1. Say “Thank you” on World Gratitude Day

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

Two words: Thank, you. They are powerful, indeed. Whether you say it, scribble it, send flowers or  write it in the sky, your gratitude can make someone’s day. Plus, just the act of saying “thank you,” can release endorphins — those feel-good hormones that course through our bodies. Decide you’re going to thank the check-out clerk at the store, your postal carrier who slogged through the rain, or your son’s teacher whose sweet nature or persistence is making all the difference in math class. We can soften life’s edges by practicing civility and kindness.

2. Keep a gratitude journal

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey

It’s easy to flip on HGTV or browse the latest fashion magazine and feel a little envious of those who seem to have it all. Life has its ups and downs, and if you’re in the middle of a slump, it’s easy to miss all the things that are wonderful in life. If you find yourself staring into a glass that’s half-full, consider starting a gratitude journal.

Every evening, jot down 3 things that you feel happy about: friendships, family, pets and more. Granted, on those days when you lost your keys or a supervisor got testy, it might be hard to see the rays of sunlight. But even noting the smallest things can get your mind on the right foot: late summer flowers blooming; warm socks; a kind smile of the crossing guard; a soft breeze on a cool night; the strength and dexterity of your own fingers.

3. Commit to a weekly act of gratitude

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” -Henry Ford

Beyond World Gratitude Day, you can practice gratitude so that it becomes part of  your life. Sometimes when we set a goal, it becomes more achievable.  Life is fleeting, and we need to grab those moments of grace while we can. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but just commit to saying thank you more, hugging more, giving more, surprising more. Or plan to write a formal thank you note once a week to someone — even if it’s an out-of-the-blue note to say, “I am grateful for your presence in my life.” You’ll make someone else’s day, and you’ll improve your own frame of mind, too.