Gratitude is being grateful for people, things, places and moments we have been through. It is the appreciation for waking up in the morning healthy, having friends and family, and having clothes to wear.

It is the feeling of thankfulness, and it is often guided by an experience that happens between one person and another entity. This other entity can be a person, an object like food or clothes or a car, a place like home or a place you have visited or knowledge you gained like swimming or horse riding.

There is scientific evidence in gratitude. Researchers at the University of California and the University of Miami conducted studies where participants in the experiment kept track of their feelings, both good and bad, how they delt with stress and their overall view of life. It has been found that the participants who regularly were engaged in recognition and expressing gratitude were more optimistic in life and it was seen a significant increase in their overall sense of well-being. In addition, the uplift in the mood of the participants lasted for the whole 10 weeks. The study shows that expressing gratitude can greatly impact another person's life.  

So, when was the last time you were grateful?

Abdullah, a Saudi man living in Riyadh, shared his thoughts on gratitude when asked about it. He shared he is grateful for knowing how to golf. Golf gave him the opportunity to reflect and meditate. It allows him to enjoy his favorites hobby while also recharging mentally. Golf is a mind hobby more than a physical hobby. For Abdullah, every swing is not just about the game but about finding balance, quieting his mind, and carrying those lessons of patience into everyday life. To be successful in golf, it requires focusing and being able to control your emotions. There is no comparison in Golf, comparing yourself to yourself the day before is the only way to know how you are progressing.

How to be more grateful?

Gratitude can transform everyone’s life, making even small moments – like receiving a smile or getting a cup of coffee - feel meaningful. Here are some easy ways to add gratitude to your daily life:

1. Say ‘Thank you’ more often: small words of gratitude can brighten someone’s day and strengthen relationships.
2. Remember to give thanks to yourself: always appreciate the amazing things accomplished in life and recognize the progress made along the way.
3. Keep a daily journal when possible: write down moments of gratitude and review them at the end of the week.
4. Avoid constant comparison with others: true growth comes from appreciating what is already present and measuring progress only against the person from yesterday.

The takeaway is science shows that practicing gratitude can truly boost opiumism. Appreciating what one already has - without comparing it to others - makes life feel richer and more satisfying. Sports, like golfing or enjoying any other activity, can be powerful ways to develop a grateful mindset. By taking a moment to notice and value these everyday blessings, life becomes a little brighter.