items of interest

with contributions from Sarah Sturmon Dale

"OF MORE THAN 1,000 American adults surveyed, over 74 percent express gratitude by openly displaying a positive attitude through written or verbal expressions of thanks, praying, volunteering, and acknowledging a higher power for the good in their lives. While gratitude is a universal emotion, the survey showed greater likelihood for gratitude in older respondents with 76 percent saying they are very grateful (versus 68 percent average) and 82 percent saying that prayer and thanksgiving are important in their lives (versus 74 percent). Giving a higher power credit for the good in life was highest indexed in three groups: senior respondents (85 percent), African Americans (92 percent), and Southerners (82 percent)....

"The survey reveals that:

• 90 percent of people feel that expressing gratitude leads to more happiness and joy.

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