This gratitude challenge has been a journey and I have rediscovered the value of being positive and thankful. Its only when we take time to appreciate the little things that we can also take a step back from life's challenges and be thankful for it all!That is where I would like to finish this challenge, by being thankful for my life. I've been kicking around this globe for 44 years, and somehow or other, by many miracles, I am still here in one piece.. still very much alive!

As every year passes, it passes that much faster, and with that we must take time to cherish the good things we have. Being grateful is where we take time out from monotony and step into a very positive and powerful state of mind. That is all being grateful is, a state of mind.. a moment, when we take the time to shift our perspective and just appreciate something.... anything. There are infinite things to appreciate, and it is always best to appreciate things whilst we have them, rather than when we don't. It is a funny human trait that when we lose something or are in pain or ill health, we pray for it to come back and feel like we will never take it for granted again. But we do. We always take things for granted unless we appreciate them whilst we have them.

So despite whatever else is going on in my life right now, I AM thankful for it, and am very grateful that I am able to sit here, with 2 arms and 2 legs working, and my eyes able to see the screen, and my fingers are able to dance over my keyboard. Every day I am free, and am so lucky to have great abundance and blessings. This challenge has reminded me how important it is to be grateful for SO many things, and so thank you to whoever came up with this viral challenge!

If you have just stumbled upon this post and would like to understand why Gratitude is so important then here are some fun scientific facts!

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners, but showing appreciation can help you win new friends, according to a 2014 study published in Emotion. The study found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. So whether you thank a stranger for holding the door or you send a quick thank-you note to that co-worker who helped you with a project, acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.

2. Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and they report feeling healthier than other people, according to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups with their doctors, which is likely to contribute to further longevity.

3. Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.

4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a pro-social manner, even when others behave less kind, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge.

5. Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.

6. Gratitude improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athlete's self-esteem, which is an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs – which is a major factor in reduced self-esteem- grateful people are able to appreciate other people's accomplishments.

7. Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. Recognising all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times of your life – fosters resilience.

We all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Simply take a few moments to focus on all that you have – rather than complain about all the things you think you deserve. Developing an "attitude of gratitude" is one of the simplest ways to improve your satisfaction with life

Thanks to Amy Morin (psychotherapist)

And so finally I nominate someone to take this challenge up! I'd like to nominate @cpt.picard, who needs no introduction and has made a short but very great start to Steemit and has since been very quiet. Perhaps I can persuade Jean Luke to resurface with some more gratitude ;-)

Thank you for joining me on this my very last Gratitude Challenge!

<3 xx <3
@eco-alex

~ABOUT THIS CHALLENGE~

I was tagged by a few wonderful people to: Write a post about something you have to be positive about today - this could be anything from being thankful for your current situation, someone being nice to you, being thankful for your friends and family, or even being thankful for the opportunity you have been given here on Steemit - just keep it positive :)

✔ Do this for 7 days in a row if you get nominated.
( I WONT BE DOING THIS IN A ROW, BUT CLOSE TO IT!)

✔ Mention three people who should do this on each day.
(I GUESS IM JUST A RULE BREAKER, I WILL NOT BE NOMINATING ANYONE UNTIL THE END)

✔ Tag it with #positivitychallenge and include these rules at the bottom of your post

✔ Include a picture of something positive (related to your story if possible.)

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