I wrote about the connection between Facebook and mood a while ago (ok, a long long time ago) and today I’m going to try to articulate a little more how I feel social media can be used for gratitude. But first, a little song about gratitude.

There are many studies showing that gratitude helps combat depression and increase happiness. In a world where we are constantly obsessing about amassing more money, shoes, or friends and finally attaining the right marital status, job or weight, we tend to forget how much we already have. Taking the time to count our blessings every day has proved to help us refocus our thoughts and serves as a reminder of how lucky we truly are.

Social media statuses are a great way to practice gratitude.

Observe the world around you and take a picture of the pretty little purple flower growing between the cobblestones and share it with your friend. When you feel the sun on your face, shoot the sunrise and upload it. Snap any moment that melts your heart, especially if they involve four-legged furry friends. Did your tram driver just make a joke about the weather? Tweet it. Did you just have the best fair trade sundried sausage? I’m going to need a picture of that. Did you buy the cutest Havaianas? By all means, show me!

Why? You are creating a mindfulness practice. By trying to look at the world through gratitude glasses, you are teaching yourself to pause and notice the beauty around you. The more you do it, the less importance you give to all the dark, ugly, crappy, negative stuff.

And sharing? Well, I like to see more happy people in my feed, and I bet your friends do too!