Gratitude: An attitude? Or maybe it’s a trait?

A momentary feeling? Or could it be innate

To human beings globally, because we celebrate

Across the world’s traditions, that thankfulness is great?

Gratitude is noticing, and feeling thankful for

Acts and gifts and service, stuff we have that we adore.

And if we notice and give thanks for things we might ignore,

Our gratitude increases, and in this case more is more—

Scientific studies show that happiness and peace

Can come from feeling thankful, and that these thoughts increase

Connectedness to others, empathy, and life’s own lease—

Grateful people just might get a few more years apiece.

Though Thanksgiving gives gratitude a dedicated day

Here in the States, it might be good to seek out other ways

To get a daily dose of it.  To look in work and play

Finding gorgeous tiny moments that inspire us to say,

Thank you Sun for warmth and food, and every morning’s greeting,

Thank you Earth for rain and dirt and life, however fleeting.

Thanks for laughter, thanks for friends, that moment of our meeting—

Thanks for work and holidays, and to you, Reader, for reading!