Choosing to be Grateful at Times other than Thanksgiving

         I recently read a New York Times article titled "Choose to be grateful. It will make you happier" by C. Brooks. This article discussed the author's recent Thanksgiving experience with relatives in Barcelona. While in Barcelona he served a little American culture and discussed the meaning behind Thanksgiving. The relatives asked many questions, and brought up a good point by asking if people still celebrate the holiday even if they do not feel grateful. Brooks then goes into detail about how choosing to be grateful can in fact make a person feel more grateful. This reminded me of an event I just participated in through the school's Beginnings in Psychological Science (BIPS) club. BIPS held a Science of Happiness Workshop at the school for different Girl Scout troops to be able to earn their science of happiness badge. At the workshop we discussed the different ways people can promote happiness in their lives. One thing we discussed was that giving to others and pointing out the little things in everyday, make us happy. So it is not just around Thanksgiving that one should express their gratitude towards others. People should live their everyday lives, grateful for all that they have and all that there is in this world. As an aspiring educator, I am grateful for the opportunity to gain an education and educate the minds of the future. I will teach my future students to cherish all they have everyday by expressing gratitude to their peers, faculty members, nature, etc. It is important to take the time to be grateful to increase a positive outlook on life, and as the article says, it will overall increase a person's happiness b choosing to be grateful. Whether it is expressing gratitude to the teacher that spent a few extra minutes after class to further explain a difficult concept, or taking the time to appreciate the beautiful nature around you, one should always be grateful, and in return your happiness will thank you.