A virtue to practise

Thankful

Being thankful means noticing the good things in your life, and the people behind them, and saying thank you.

What being thankful means

It is easy to notice what we don't have. Being thankful turns that around. When you look for things to be grateful for, like food on the table, a friend, a teacher who helped or a kind word, you start to see more of them. Saying thank you also helps other people feel valued.

How to practise being thankful

1. Each night, think of three things you are thankful for.
2. Thank someone who helps you every day but doesn't often hear it, like a bus driver, a cleaner or a parent.
3. Write a thank-you note or message to someone who made a difference to you.
4. When something goes wrong, look for one thing that still went right.

Want a new virtue to practise each morning? Start with Virtue of the Day.