The Power of Gratitude Letters

Research demonstrates that writing gratitude letters significantly improves mood.

Writing gratitude letters has many benefits:

1) It makes us feel good in the moment as we are writing the letter as we recall a special person and what that person did for us or how we value the relationship

2) It makes the other person feel good

3) It fosters closeness in an already close relationship or revives an old relationship

4) when done regularly, it has long-term benefits for improving mood and decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety

The #1 predictor of wellbeing, both physical and emotional, is our relationships. Any time that you spend cultivating your relationships is time well spent.

Here are some ideas to incorporate into your letter.

1) What makes the person unique? What are the special talents, personality characteristics?

2) What is a special day that you shared that you will always remember?

3) What little “quirk” about person do you love?

4) How would you describe your love for this person?

5) What is something special that this person has done for you?

6) Why do you value the relationship?

7) What are your hopes for the future for this person?

Who can you reach out to today?