World Gratitude Day
World Gratitude Day, celebrated annually on September 21st by the United Nations, is a global invitation to embrace gratitude as a catalyst for personal happiness and mental well-being. It serves as a poignant reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blessings in our lives, fostering humility and a positive mindset.
This observance encourages individuals worldwide to acknowledge the positive aspects of their lives, fostering resilience and strengthening social connections through expressions of thankfulness. Embracing gratitude not only enhances our happiness but also cultivates empathy and a deeper appreciation for the interdependence of humanity.
Background on World Gratitude Day
In 1965 a Thanksgiving dinner was held at the meditation center of the United Nations building in Hawaii.
There, Sri Chinmoy, a meditation teacher, and director of the UN meditation group suggested creating a special holiday to unify people around the world in gratitude.
The people in attendance promised to hold a gratitude meeting in their own country every September 21.
It was only in 1977 that, in recognition of Sri Chinmoy's work, the UN meditation group requested a resolution to make World Gratitude Day official. Since then, World Gratitude Day has been an annual international commemoration.
Importance of Gratitude
Being grateful brings people together, if you take the time to thank the people around you for everything they do for you, you will contribute to their happiness. In return, you will feel much happier yourself.
Exercising gratitude has many health benefits, it boosts your mood and reduces stress, which in turn will help you sleep better and improve your immune system. It is also great for your self-esteem, making you feel more confident and opening the door to many opportunities.
How to Celebrate World Gratitude Day
Celebrating World Gratitude Day is as easy as looking around you and finding things that you are grateful for. It is also a great time to start a routine of writing down five things that happened in your day that you are thankful for before you go to bed.
Tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them, but also don't forget to thank yourself for all your good qualities. Self-care is very important on World Gratitude Day.
There are times when it feels hard to be grateful for anything, so this is the perfect day to stop, take a breath, and think about all the things that make you happy and that you are thankful for in your life.
This could be your family and friends, your pet, the fact that you have food in the cupboard and a roof over your head, your good health, and even the beautiful nature that is around you. Stop and look around at all the beauty that surrounds you.
You can also take the time today to help those less fortunate than you, and be the thing that they are grateful for.
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