Gratitude has been defined as an attitude of deep appreciation for kindnesses or benefits acquired. Different parts of gratitude have been identified. First, a person experiences a warm sense of appreciation toward an individual who performs a generous or desired kind act. Secondly, appreciation and kindness are expressed towards the person who performed the desired act. Finally, the person to whom appreciation is expressed, perceiving goodwill, is inclined to act positively and/or appreciatively towards the individual expressing gratitude. Gratitude is often interactive and also appears to have the ability to enhance a sense of well-being and goodwill among individuals and groups within an institution. Grateful individuals show higher levels of life satisfaction, optimism, energy, and connection with many people. Growing evidence indicates that expressing gratitude can improve one's physical health and functioning. Researchers are finding that behaviors such as gratitude can be reliably linked to positive changes in an individual's cardiovascular and immune functioning (McCarty R., M. Atkinson, W. Tiller, G. Rein, and AD Watkins). In a recent study, it was found that individuals who focused on being grateful rather than not getting angry had a positive impact on a number of important physiological functions such as improved heart rate, pulse and breathing. It would appear that the practice of gratitude may hold promise for reducing stress and subsequent related healthcare costs, which in an organizational context could pay big dividends. Ultimately, people who are generally grateful may tend to live longer lives. In one study, Catholic nuns expressed gratitude, contentment, and positive emotions in... middle of paper... meaning in our lives. Many times we have seen resentment and anger melt away in the presence of sincere gratitude and appreciation. Call a friend or relative, or write a letter to let someone know what they mean to you, even if they are healthy and not just in crisis. It's also a wonderful practice to have an entire family express gratitude together consistently; the earlier children start, the greater their capacity for appreciation becomes. The constant practice of expressing gratitude also reminds us that we do not live alone; we survive only because we will constantly receive goods from people, nature and nature. Gratitude helps us to be more aware of the many things we receive from other people and to realize that our lives are based on the perpetual gift of others and feel a deeper responsibility to give more to ourselves..