I recently told my kids that if they simply learn to genuinely say please and thank you it’ll get them further ahead in life than just about anything else. Then I read an interesting article in Fast Company that touched on the thank-you scarcity in our culture. We don’t say “thank you” as often as we ought to.

In her book, The How of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky explores a dozen scientifically proven strategies to make you happier. The first? Expressing gratitude. I try to start my day with my gratitude journal. Honestly, it determines what kind of day I’m going to have regardless of what happens that day, good or bad.

Say thank you to someone for something everyday and you’ll be much happier. And start by thanking God for His mercies that are new every morning!