From SGI USA, I'm Cassidy Bradford and this is Budability.

The weekly series where I talk with Buddhists from all lots of life about the power we each have to change our lives and the world around us.

So you want to feel more joy in your life?

Well, first, let's take stock of where you're at.

How are things going in school or at work?

What's the status of your dating life?

Do you have good friends in the picture?

How about family relationships?

As you think about these areas of your life, what's coming up?

Is it mostly complaints or problems you have?

Or are you also thinking about the good aspects of each?

Numerous research studies show that appreciation is linked to emotional and social well-being,

better sleep quality, lower depression risks, and even longevity.

And that makes sense, right?

We feel better when we have appreciation.

And usually when we're feeling appreciation,

it's because something good is happening in our lives.

But what about when things aren't going perfectly?

Today, we're talking about how to cultivate a spirit of

gratitude, independent of our circumstances. Other than helping us feel more joy, why should we

care about gratitude?

I mean, it has the power to do a lot.

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