There’s a question that has been rattling around in my brain for the last few days. Maybe you want to try it as well. Here goes: what if you woke up tomorrow and all that you had is that for which you are grateful today?

On the surface, it sounds like a simple question but I think there is a lot more to it. You could dismiss it and think “Oh, sure, I always appreciate what I have.” But is that really the case? Or do you have days when you are frustrated or discouraged or just out of sorts and you see that proverbial cup as not just half empty but maybe entirely empty?

Gratitude, truly, is not a “throw away” term. It’s not a quick “thanks a lot” tossed casually or a nod of acknowledgement. Gratitude is understanding that each of us relies on others, each of us needs the support and assistance of others to be who we are.

It’s humbling to realize that. It’s also leveling I think. We are all the same in our need for others. We are all the same when we recognize that we are far more interdependent than independent.

To be meaningful, though, gratitude must be sincere and come from a place of honesty. Whether you spare a moment to think about what you are grateful for or you make a list of three to five things each day, that practice can bring you both awareness and appreciation. Sharing that practice, and observations, with a loved one can be a small step with a far reaching result.

But what about as a leader? I would contend that leaders who practice gratitude and who take the time to express sincere appreciation, create better relationships and stronger and more loyal teams. People who are appreciated feel seen and heard, feel valued and feel connected.

We all have more on our plates than we need or perhaps than we should. How can we add one more thing? I believe that if we take a moment and reflect on gratitude every day, we can change our lives. I believe that if we take another moment and express gratitude to someone else each day, we will change not only our lives but the lives of others, And if we build a culture of gratitude, we stand to build a better world for ourselves and beyond.

“What if you woke up tomorrow and all that you had was that for which you are grateful today?” What would you hold in your full heart?