“We are never more than one grateful thought away from peace of heart”
—Br. David Steindl-Rast
In this complex, unpredictable world we’re living in right now, being a teen is especially challenging. So is parenting one (or more). Everyday life can be hard. Stress is everywhere. But this quote is a good reminder of one of the many proven benefits of gratitude. We all have the capacity to create inner peace at any time and in any place, simply by being mindful of our blessings. Research tells us that taking a few moments out of our day to focus on gratitude reduces stress, boosts mood, and lowers depression, too. When you use gratitude in times of pressure or frenzy to calm your nervous system and gain perspective, not only do you feel better, but also you’re modeling this powerful strategy for your teen.