Gratitude doesn’t come easily. We have a built-in “danger alert system” that keeps us keenly aware of the threats and dangers around us. This negative bias captures our attention, screaming warnings about safety and caution, keeping us ever vigilante of potential dangers. Of course, this does play an important role in our lives. The danger alert system protects us when we cross a busy street, walk down a dark alley, or hear an odd sound in the dark. However, it also makes it very difficult to notice the acts of kindness and blessing we encounter on our daily journey. We easily remember the threatening face of the person who cursed at us in the store. We’d recognize him anywhere. But the friendly face of the clerk who was polite and thanked us for our business often goes unrecognized outside the store.

Gratitude, however, amplifies those acts of kindness and etches them into our memories. Developing the practice of gratitude involves strengthening our awareness of those positive interactions and experiences of our daily life. It increases our awareness of times that friends, family members, or strangers assist us or contribute something of deeper value to our day. It opens our eyes to times in which we witness support, insight, or connection between ourselves and people, nature, or God. When we witness such beauty, it compels us to focus on others and their care, on beings (whether that be other people, animals, nature, or God) outside of ourselves. In other words, gratitude not only increases our internal sense of connection and awe, but it turns our focus outward toward others. It amplifies the good and positive in the world around us. isn’t that something you would like to have as a foundational awareness in your family?

Mr. Rogers recalled his mother telling him to “look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” He went on to say, “To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

Gratitude balances our “danger alert system” and counters our negative bias. It amplifies our awareness of good and positive people and experiences in the world as well as our connection and security within those connections. But for this to happen, we need to turn on the amplifier of gratitude in our families. We need to practice gratitude. Start every day with a moment of gratitude. Name 2-3 things for which you are grateful. Write them down if you like. They can be as simple as waking up, a good night’s rest, a new start, or running water. Let your mind dwell on the concept of gratitude until you have thought of 2-3 things for which you can express gratitude. Do your best to think of something new every day. Then get out of bed with a grateful heart.