Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. – William Arthur Ward

Saying “thank you” for the things and people that matter not only makes you feel better, but also can gather momentum to attract more good things.

When you want to improve your mood, enhance your relationship or change the focus from something negative to positive, the teachings of Abraham Hicks suggest taking a few moments to practice a game called The Rampage of Appreciation.

Here’s how it works: notice and appreciate your immediate environment, then continue to direct your thoughts and attention to anything that pleases you. You can do this anytime, anywhere, even for a few minutes. You cannot be defensive (or negative) and appreciative at the same time. As you concentrate on appreciating, then appreciation comes right back to you.

For example, here’s my “rampage of appreciation” for today.

I’m glad I woke up feeling good.

I love that I have the time to read the paper in the morning.

I’m happy my computer is working today.

I’m happy my brain is working today and the writing, words and ideas are appearing.

I love that I am able to do what I love.

I’m thankful for beautiful weather, and that there’s still no snow in November!

I’m thankful for friends, family and colleagues who make a difference in my life.

I really love cheap flights to Arizona.

I love that I have the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving twice this year.

And so it goes… the Universe, like most people, likes to be appreciated and then just wants to help out even more.

Find something or someone to be thankful for, even just a little bit, start your own rampage of appreciation… and see what happens.

Thanks for being here.