Padre Capt Alexandre DutilWelcome to From the Chaplain’s Desk, a feature series that showcases reflections from chaplains serving at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. –Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and showing appreciation for the good things in life. Today, many studies demonstrate that practising gratitude has a significant impact on happiness, relationships, and even physical health. We might naturally assume that happiness leads to gratitude, that happy people are the ones that are grateful, but research suggests the opposite: being grateful is what leads to happiness. Keep a gratitude journal: write down the things you are grateful for and revisit your journal when discouraged or upset.