Welcome to our practice. Let’s begin…

We invite you to close your eyes and take one or two slow, deep breaths. Then open your eyes and read today’s quote by Anne Frank: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

  • Let the words in the quote sit with you for a moment or two.
  • What do you notice? Become aware of any feelings, sensations, thoughts, or images that might arise.
  • Then read the question: How can I improve the world right now? 

How can I improve the world right now?” is a powerful question to carry with us as it is always “now.” There is just this moment and in each moment, through our choices, we can orient ourselves toward improving our world. What a magnificent and humbling task! Do we feel called to act? And if so, how? We are the world –  active participants in a vast unfolding – and every word, action, and intention makes a difference. Happily, there are no right or wrong answers to this inquiry as we ask ourselves: How can I improve the world right now?

Share your responses to any of the above in the reflection area below, write in a journal at home (or online), or simply let the quote and question accompany you throughout the day.

Notice how this exploration impacts you… and those around you.

The possibility of improving the world invites us deeper into the landscape of our planetary village and home, and with more intention. Everyday Gratitude, and grateful living, remind us that acting on behalf of those freedoms and concerns for which we are most grateful can be a sustainable and uplifting path to improving life for everyone.

For further inspiration you might appreciate:

I Tell You – a poem by Susan Glassmeyer

I Will Be a Hummingbird – a 2-minute video of Wangari Maathai telling a story

How Gratitude Motivates Us to Become Better People – an article highlighting research from the Greater Good Science Center


The image above is excerpted from Everyday Gratitude © by A Network for Grateful Living; book design and lettering by Alethea Morrison; watercolors and cover illustration © Katie Eberts, with additional watercolors by Clikchic Designs; used with permission from Storey Publishing.

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Enjoy the full eight-day Everyday Gratitude practice series.


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