We talk about being thankful every year, but did you know that expressing gratitude may actually make you a happier person? Studies have shown that people who keep track of events they were grateful for have increased joy, happiness and life satisfaction.
So here is a simple exercise that can have a very powerful impact on you and others around you. This particular exercise is called the Gratitude Letter and it was developed by Martin Seligman (www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu).

Between now and thanksgiving pick one person who has made a positive difference in your life. Write a letter telling them why you are thankful, how they have affected your life and what they mean to you. Take your time, and really think about the impact they have had on you.
Simply put the letter in an envelope and give it to the person on Thanksgiving. If the person is someone you won’t be seeing at thanksgiving write the letter and send it to them.
Its simple exercise but it can have a dramatic impact on you and the person you write to, and it’s something that we unfortunately don’t do enough of.