Gratitude is our ability to appreciate the good things in life. It can be very simple, such as enjoying a sweet glass of lemonade on a hot summer day or being thankful for a friendship that is important to you. One easy way to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. We have learned that writing down things you are grateful for each day can have a powerful positive effect on your mental health. Studies have shown that we can reduce stress, improve sleep and increase overall happiness by focusing on gratitude. When we take the time to focus on the good and positive things in our lives, our brain shifts away from negative thoughts and focuses more on the positive. This can help us be more resilient and even increase our optimism. It is fairly simple to start a gratitude journal. Pick a time each day to write down three things for which you are thankful. If three seems too daunting, then start with one. It does not have to be something big — small moments like enjoying a…