How to make gratitude a way of life

Aristotle argued that we become what we habitually do. If we spend our days thinking of everything that has gone poorly and how dark our future appears, we can think ourselves into misery.

While we should pay attention to the many injustices to be righted, we can also make the world a better place by being aware of the good things it already affords. We can change ourselves into the kind of people who seek out and celebrate things we can be thankful for.

• In Judaism, the first words of the morning prayer could be translated, "I thank you."
• From a Christian perspective, thanksgiving is vital. Jesus gives thanks before he shares his last meal with his disciples.
• The 55th chapter of the Quran lists all the things humans have to be grateful for - the sun, moon, clouds, rain, air, grass, animals, plants, river, and oceans.
• Hindu festivals celebrate blessings and offer thanks for them.
• In Buddhism, gratitude develops patience and serves as an antidote to greed.