People who express gratitude more often tend to feel more open, energized and happier.

A writing activity providing the participant(s) the opportunity to reflect upon and express the everyday ‘gifts’ present in their lives, that otherwise may go unnoticed.

Gratitude is a positive emotion that can make us feel good. When young people express their experience of gratitude, they develop a deeper awareness of their thoughts and feelings as well as strengthen their social-emotional skills and relationships with others.

• Using the Gratitude Everyday Worksheet (from the downloadable PDF) or on a plain sheet of paper, ask the participant(s) to write down two things or people for which they are grateful, each day of the week. It could be individuals who have helped them or even challenging experiences that they overcame for which they grateful.
• For each entry, have participant(s) include a brief description of the reasons why they are grateful.
• By day seven, the participant(s) are invited to express their gratitude to as many people as possible on their list. Whether in person, by text or by phone, the intention is for the participant(s) to share their meaningful experiences.
• Once the activity has concluded, participant(s) share their experience using the suggested conversation starters as a jumping off point.

• What was your take-away from this activity?
• Name one way in which you can challenge yourself to find or see the good, (big or small) in your life every day.