The first degree of gratitude:

This is when you say, “thanks,” “thank you,” or “I appreciate it,” and you really mean it. It can become a habit. And honestly, we can’t say thank you enough. It’s so easy, and yet so powerful. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

The second degree of gratitude:

You say thank you, thank you, thank you—and you show it by adding a gesture, going beyond words: you gently bow, offer a handshake, smile genuinely, or give a hug. The second degree is all about expressing your gratitude. Expressing gratitude is a state of being, a manifestation of appreciation. It has no strings attached, and it doesn’t keep score.

The third degree of gratitude:

The third degree is about finding gratitude. Here you reach a level of conscientiousness that allows you to find gratitude where you’ve stopped looking, or where it’s difficult to find. Ask yourself: What amazing aspects of my life can I be grateful for? This degree of gratitude requires effort. Appreciating the hard things requires creativity to find the bright spots in your life (there are plenty of them).

What problems can you be grateful for?

Which challenges can you appreciate more of?

What setbacks have made you grow stronger?

Gratitude brings joy to our lives because it teaches us to appreciate (and find) the kindness, the love, the support that is all around us. As we practice the different degrees of gratitude, we open ourselves to a more intentional, joyful way of being. This may make us feel vulnerable because it requires us to open ourselves to the world around us, but it will also feel refreshing. Gratitude attunes our ability to appreciate abundance. It allows us to see opportunities, and it invites us to live simply and gratefully.

Gratitude isn’t just good manners. It’s a virtue that helps us see with perspective, and live more fully with purpose and presence.