Want a way to make someone and yourself truly happy this Thanksgiving?

There’s a method of practicing gratitude that you may not have heard about: The Gratitude Visit.

It’s a concept created by the man considered to be the Father of Positive Psychology, Dr. Martin Seligman, and a moving way to express your deep appreciation to someone who has made a big difference in your journey.

Here’s how it works…

First, you think of someone who had a hand in moving your life in a positive direction somewhere along the way. Someone enormously important, who is still alive, and whom you never properly thanked.

Next, sit down and write them a letter (at least 300 words), thanking them for their kind influence. Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation. Include what you’ve always wanted to say to that person. Don’t hold back.

And finally, you call and without telling them why, ask if you can visit them in person or arrange a Zoom or Facetime call and read your letter.

The results are likely to amaze you, both.

Dr. Seligman encourages “Gratitude Visitors” to notice how they feel at every stage of the experience.

His research shows that people who do this are measurably happier and less depressed a month, 2 months and even 6 months later.

As Seligman explains, “Doing a kindness produces the single most reliable momentary increase in well-being of any exercise we have tested.”

Your recipient also benefits from the element of surprise, activating areas of the brain associated with learning and memory. The gratitude stays with them longer and serves as a reminder that unexpected goodness can happen at any time.

As the timeless song says,

“Make someone happy
Make just one, someone happy
And you will be happy too”

Happy Thanks Giving!

~Sonny.