Well, don't just take it from me.   Today a newsletter from Vic Johnson alerted me to a study of 161 people published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research,  those who focus on what they have-not what they lack-fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Grateful people are also less tired and more functional during the day.

But why would being grateful affect your sleep? The researchers found that this was related to the thoughts people had as they drifted off. Being thankful led to faster, deeper sleep.   "People who are feeling more grateful are less tense and anxious, because the two are incompatible," says Norah Vincent Ph.D. "A mental state like that at bedtime would be helpful for your sleep."

And gratitude does a lot more for you than just helping you get a good night's sleep. Study after study has confirmed that people who practice an attitude of gratitude are likely to live longer, are happier people and enjoy better health.    In addition, this practice helps you get through the 'humps and bumps' in life with greater resilience.

So make it Thanksgiving Day every day.   Sit down TODAY and write out a list of all the things you're grateful for today.   Think of all the things that make you fortunate in life.  For example, if you have plenty to eat and drink, have a home, a job and running water, you're doing better than two-thirds of the rest of the world.    If you have a healthy, fit body with all your senses and organs functioning normally, you're better off than a lot of people.   If you have friends and family around you who you love and who love you, you're a lucky person.