By David Tepera, October 12, 2025
The definition of gratitude is the expression of being thankful and appreciative. It’s a positive emotional response to appreciate the kindness, help and benefits you’ve received from others.
The best part of understanding gratitude is the state of mind you will enter due to an increase of happiness, stronger relationships, including reduced stress.
For me personally, years ago, I decided to step away from any negative or destructive influence from others. Why let them control your emotions when we all have something to be grateful for? Notice, negative people seem to migrate to each other, but also, positive people seem to bond and find happiness and success.
Stop focusing on what has gone wrong in your life, but enjoy the gratitude of the goodness, plus those who helped you.
When my kids were young, we would sit around the dinner table to discuss gratitude. We took turns sharing the best experiences of the day. It was simple as doing small gestures for others. My kids loved helping students that had challenges. There’s so much more to that story.
Listen, we all have challenges, but there is always something to be grateful for. You just have to open your mind and let go of all the negatives that others try to throw at you. Misery loves company, but you are no longer miserable.
What are your first thoughts when you wake? Isn’t it amazing to get another day of life and choices?
I’m always up before my wife Tina. Every morning, I look over at her sleeping and can’t believe she’s mine. Her gratitude starts with a home cooked breakfast.
We both express our gratitude each day as we pull up to our business. Daily, we hear the gratitude from our clients expressing the quality of life we’ve given back to them. But really, it was the client who chose to take control.
Come on now, what’s your gratitude? What are you going to accomplish today that makes you happy? When your head hits the pillow tonight, what are the positive thoughts that run through your mind?
How many people did you impact today? Did you make a difference in this world that others appreciate you for? We all have that power. It just comes down to a choice.
Now, let’s all take a deep breath, and realize there is so much gratitude to be thankful for.