Say “Grats” at Dinner

To the editor,

When we read about problems and tragedies, it’s easy to become distressed. To boost happiness, try thinking about the things for which you’re grateful.

In my family, we do this at the end of dinner by sharing our “grats.” One person tells us three things for which they’re grateful, and then we talk about what they shared. Being the old guy at the table, I often mention how one of those things was different in earlier times.

For example, if someone says they’re grateful for televisions, I might share how, when I was young, we didn’t have one — and how the first TVs had small screens and took a while to “warm up” before a low-quality black-and-white image grudgingly appeared.

The only rule we have is that your “grats” shouldn’t include someone sitting at the table. Otherwise, they can be anything — big or small. Some of our favorites: freedom of speech, paper towels, email, volunteers, toothbrushes, friends, pie, plastic, sunshine, living in America, electricity, teachers, parks and music.

This little tradition has sparked a lot of good conversation — and made us more appreciative of the lives we live.

Try it. You’ll like it.

Gary Jump