Grateful in every situation? It is good to be grateful. And there is always at least one good reason for it What am I actually thankful for? Right now and in my life as a whole? With this question I first have to think. My current life situation is not ideal for me - I've been feeling better. But at the end of the day we rich Europeans have every reason to be grateful. That's why I whine "at a high level", isn't it? The longer I think, the more unpleasant my ingratitude becomes. Many people in the world have to endure a hail of bombs. I sit comfortably in my apartment and slurp tea. And not just any. In the supermarket I trust, I can choose from a variety, so I will probably never try all varieties. If there is not something for my spoiled palate, I can alternatively order exotic products from distant countries on the Internet, which will be delivered to me comfortably after some time - I just have to get out of my armchair to open the door for the postman. Health insurance ensures that I don't get a 50,000 euro bill if an operation should become necessary. And even in case of unemployment nobody has to starve. The German state takes care of itself. I fall gently. Gratitude has fascinating effects Of course, a lot of other things come to my mind for which I can be thankful. But even as I write down these few points, I notice that something is happening inside me. No emotional explosion or anything. But somehow it lifts my mood. And that's not surprising, according to the latest research. Scientists have found that people who practice gratitude with the help of a diary, for example, have measurably more optimism. Physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle tension are reduced. They sleep better and rarely have to see a doctor. We are talking about a 25 percent increase in happiness levels!